Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Noise Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ordinance banning engine braking on city streets approved unanimously; residents raise enforcement concerns
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 602 to prohibit engine or "Jake" braking on Bee Cave streets to reduce loud noises from heavy vehicles; residents supported the change but questioned how officers will detect violations at night.
The Bee Cave City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 602 on April 28, adding a prohibition on engine braking (also known as "Jake braking") to Chapter 18 of the code of ordinances and establishing a penalty clause.
Staff member Baker explained the measure as a targeted tool to protect peace and quiet from loud engine braking by heavy commercial vehicles. "This proposal surgically revises the code of ordinances to prohibit the use of Jake braking or engine braking," Baker said, describing how the engine operation can produce disruptive noise. He noted the ordinance prohibits activation of the equipment, not the presence of vehicles equipped with the hardware, and that signage and coordination with public works and police would precede enforcement.
A resident who lives near Highway 71 expressed support but wondered how nighttime enforcement would work; he said the noise often occurs in the middle of the night. From the prosecutor’s perspective, officers can look for a lack of brake lights when a vehicle slows as one enforcement indicator. After brief discussion councilmember(s) moved to adopt Ordinance 602 and the measure passed unanimously.
