Sheldon, Iowa — The loud noise that some trucks make when they’re slowing down is apparently causing some frustration on the part of some Sheldon citizens.
Sheldon Police Chief Lyle Bolkema says that the Sheldon Police Department has been receiving complaints of truckers who are “jake braking” or engine braking in town. When the engine braking system is activated, it opens exhaust valves in the cylinders after the compression cycle, releasing the compressed air trapped in the cylinders, and slowing the vehicle.
He says Sheldon does have an ordinance that prohibits engine or compression braking in the city limits.
Bolkema says that in an attempt to get compliance with this law, the police department is mailing a notice to several trucking companies in Sheldon and/or businesses that regularly have trucks coming and going from their properties.
Other northwest Iowa communities have similar ordinances on the books, prohibiting engine braking.
