A new Newton city ordinance prohibiting engine braking except in emergency situations has been effective according to Third Ward Council member Stacy Simbro. The ordinance was passed overwhelmingly by the Newton City Council in mid-November. Commercial truck drivers sometimes use engine brakes to slow down to reduce wear and overheating on the brakes and to improve fuel economy, but these brakes are very loud. The city had received complaints about engine brakes for residents along First Avenue East, which is also U.S. Highway 6, and from along East 31st Street North, which is on the northeast edge of town. Simbro lives in an area where complaints about engine braking, or “Jake braking”, was often heard, and says that he and some of his constituents have noticed a noise reduction since the ordinance was implemented.

“She did call up and say I did hear one person drag racing down First Avenue, Jake braking all the way. So it is still happening, but she says it’s been better. I have not heard as much.” 

The ordinance prohibiting engine braking was adopted on a five-to-one vote. Mayor Randy Ervin, who was an at-large City Council member at the time, voted against it. He said he understood the noise was a nuisance, but he opposed the ordinance because he feels it’s unenforceable. He stated the city council should not approve ordinances that city officials can’t hold people accountable for. The penalty for violating the ordinance is a $105 fine plus court costs and surcharges.