Delmont officials will move ahead in developing a “jake-brake” ordinance, despite acknowledging that their police department will not be able to enforce it.
Borough officials asked the state transportation department to study a stretch of Route 66 in order to post signs prohibiting the use of engine brake retarders, or “jake brakes,” after receiving complaints from residents.
“Jake brakes” are the common term for the Jacobs Engine Brake, which alters the operation of an engine’s exhaust and allows it to function as a power-absorbing air compressor that can slow a truck. Their use can cause significant noise, prompting many communities to prohibit them in certain areas.
Towns are required to undergo a PennDOT study if they wish to post the signs on state roads. However, the areas which are off limits for posting — hills with a grade of 4% or more — are typically the same areas where the brakes are used.
“They basically said that for all flat areas, we can put a jake-braking ordinance in,” Councilman Stan Cheyne said.
But that isn’t even the main hurdle to overcome, according to Delmont police Chief T.J. Klobucar.
“I can’t pull someone over for that alone. There has to also be a vehicle code violation,” Klobucar said. “Whether it was speeding or running a red light, if they used their jake brakes, that can be a secondary violation. But because it’s an ordinance and not part of the (Pennsylvania) Motor Vehicle Code, we couldn’t pull someone over just for jake-braking.”
Cheyne made a motion at council’s meeting Tuesday night to create an ordinance that would prohibit engine brake retarders on Route 66 between the entrance to Yes Industrial and the entrance to the Delmont Volunteer Fire Department. Council voted 3-1 in favor, with Councilwoman Becky Matesevac voting no. Matesevac felt with no real enforcement component, purchasing and installing the signs would be a waste of borough money.
Council members Dave Weber, Chris Bigley and Pam Simpson were not present.
In response to 2021 complaints about the brake system’s use on Route 22 in Murrysville, then-Chief Administrator Jim Morrison called them “a necessary evil.”
Morrison also pointed out that the only way to enforce a jake-brake ordinance is by way of a secondary violation, or by setting up an inspection station along the highway.
New Kensington officials also looked into a similar ordinance last fall.
Delmont’s solicitor will create an ordinance to bring to a future meeting for a vote.
