La Plata County is making moves to require the use of engine brake mufflers for commercial vehicles.

Jim Davis, the county’s Public Works director, said it is state law for commercial vehicles to have engine brake mufflers to prevent what’s known as “Jake Brake,” a loud method of braking on trucks.

But for law enforcement to be able to enforce the law, and to allow signs to be placed around the region, La Plata County must formally adopt its own ordinance requiring the use of engine brake mufflers.

“With this ordinance, we are basically designating the county’s desire for statutes to be applied and enforced,” county attorney Sheryl Rogers said.

Davis said some residents in the past year or so have asked for signs to be placed on U.S. Highway 550 near the La Plata County-San Juan County border, in Grandview east of Durango as well as on Florida Road.

All three county commissioners approved the first reading of the ordinance. Now, the ordinance must go through a public process before final adoption by commissioners in the coming weeks.

jromeo@durangoherald.com