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Bluff proposes ban on engine brakes inside town to curb noise; residents question sign locations
Summary
A draft ordinance would prohibit engine-brake ("Jake brake") use within town limits to reduce noise and emissions. Public commenters said signage placement in the draft may be impractical and suggested locating signs closer to population centers.
Town staff presented a short draft ordinance that would make it unlawful for drivers to use engine brakes within Bluff town limits, citing noise, air pollution and the town's character as reasons for the change. The draft includes a definition section and outlines enforcement through state or county law-enforcement partners.
Public comment supported addressing the noise problem but raised a practical concern about the draft's sign-location language, which would post signage at the town boundary where it may not be visible to truckers entering population centers. A commenter suggested adjusting the language to allow sign placement closer to where truck traffic actually meets town streets and to give the mayor or town manager discretion on locations.
Staff said deputies indicated they would support enforcement if an ordinance and signage were in place. No formal adoption vote occurred at the hearing; staff will collect comments and refine the signage language and enforcement approach before returning a final draft to the council.
