Lacey committee weighs ban on truck "engine braking" and horn noise on Route 9, will ask DOT about signage
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Summary
After residents complained about loud engine retarder braking and horn honking on Route 9, the Lacey Township Committee discussed an ordinance and signage but agreed to first ask the New Jersey Department of Transportation whether state-owned Route 9 could display prohibitory signs and to monitor complaints for enforcement feasibility.
Residents submitted a letter asking the township to ban engine retarder ("jake") braking and excessive horn honking on Route 9 near Cedar Creek. Staff told the committee they received a sample ordinance from another township and reiterated a jurisdictional limit: signs on state-owned Route 9 require DOT approval, and local ordinances do not automatically permit placement on the state highway.
Committee members described the concern as a quality-of-life issue but flagged enforcement limits. "It's a difficult thing to enforce because by the time you call and the cop gets there it's gone," a staff member said, summarizing enforcement challenges. Another committee member said, "Anything anytime you get a quality of life issue, I'm coming out on the side of the homeowner," and members agreed to begin by asking the DOT whether signs could be installed and by tracking future complaints rather than immediately drafting local prohibitory legislation.
No ordinance was introduced at the meeting. The committee directed staff to explore DOT sign placement and to return with options if additional complaints make a formal request more persuasive.
