Council considers engine‑brake (Jake brake) restriction in town limits to reduce downtown noise

Assistant Town Attorney Jessica Nixon presented a proposed revision to the town’s noise code to prohibit intentional use of engine brakes (Jake brakes) within a defined corridor—later expanded in discussion to town limits—with an emergency-use carve-out and a requirement to coordinate signage with the New Mexico Department of Transportation.

Supporters said signage and ordinance passage can deter intentional noisy use and protect outdoor-dining and pedestrian areas. "Passing these types of ordinances and getting those signs up has reduced the use without needing to go through criminal prosecution," Nixon said, noting other mountain towns use similar measures. Several council members urged a broader boundary (within town limits), but others raised safety and enforceability concerns, noting engine brakes are safety devices for heavy vehicles and are sometimes essential on steep grades or in icy conditions. The draft includes an explicit emergency exemption.

Council directed staff to prepare a version for public hearing (with signage language and a town-limits jurisdiction) for the Oct. 13 meeting notice period. Police and code-enforcement involvement, signage coordination with NMDOT and public education were raised as practical next steps.