La Paz County adopts ordinance banning engine braking on designated highway segments

The La Paz County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 6 adopted Ordinance 2025-01 prohibiting engine braking on specified segments of certain county and state highways.

The ordinance, introduced at a public hearing with no public speakers, names segments that include Vicksburg Road, Arizona State Highway 702 through Bouse, and sections near Parker Dam (near Max Market). The board discussed that the prohibition responds to residents’ complaints about loud “engine braking” or “Jake braking,” which officials said echoes and amplifies noise in canyon and residential areas.

Supervisor (chair) explained that the county adapted language from Gila County and that Arizona Department of Transportation asked the county to adopt an ordinance to provide a legal basis to enforce signage and restrictions on state routes. Under the ordinance, members of the public may submit complaints to the county’s public works department; public works would then process requests to add areas to the ordinance’s exhibit, and staff would request ADOT encroachment permits to install signs on state highways.

The item passed on a motion with a voice vote. There were no named roll-call tallies recorded in the meeting minutes.

Officials said the ban is intended to be adjustable: the ordinance was drafted so the county can amend the exhibit listing roadway segments if additional problem areas are identified.

Background: “Engine braking,” commonly called Jake braking, is a practice by some heavy trucks that generates distinct, repetitive noise as vehicles slow. County officials said the noise is especially problematic where it echoes off canyon walls and through small communities.

The board closed the public hearing prior to the vote and did not receive public comment on the ordinance during the hearing.

Legal and implementation notes: the county will work with ADOT for encroachment permits before installing signage on state highways; the ordinance establishes a local complaint and amendment process for adding future segments.