Supervisors Approves Ordinance Restricting "Jake Brake"

Published on June 04, 2026

Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Approves Ordinance Restricting "Jake Brake" Noise in Residential Areas

YAVAPAI COUNTY, AZ — The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors officially approved Ordinance 2026-1, a new measure designed to significantly reduce disruptive traffic noise and protect the quality of life in unincorporated residential communities. The ordinance strictly prohibits the use of engine and compression brakes—commonly known as "Jake Brakes"—within specified residential areas.

While engine braking is a standard practice used by commercial vehicles to slow down safely, the mechanical decibel level it produces in close proximity to neighborhoods has become a growing concern for local residents. Ordinance 2026-1 establishes a clear framework to address these disruptions, authorizing the installation of roadside signage to alert drivers and allowing for law enforcement to issue a $250 civil forfeiture penalty for violations.

"Our goal is to balance the needs of commercial transit with the right of our residents to quietly enjoy their homes and properties," said the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Brooks Compton. "By establishing these targeted zones and providing clear signage, we can keep our neighborhoods peaceful while maintaining safety."

The ordinance designates specific restriction zones across several communities where noise issues have been most prevalent. The prohibited zones include targeted segments within Williamson Valley, Skull Valley, Prescott, Iron Springs, Ho-Kay-Gon, and Cornville

Designated No-Jake-Brake Zones

Community	Affected Roadway	Specific Location Landmark
Williamson Valley	Williamson Valley Road	2,736 feet Southwest of Buena Vista Trail (Southeast side)
Williamson Valley	Williamson Valley Road	500 feet Southwest of Pasa Tiempo (East side)
Skull Valley	Iron Springs Road	247 feet South of Van Dickson Road (West side)
Prescott	Pioneer Parkway	975 feet Northeast of Commerce Drive (Southeast side)
Iron Springs	Iron Springs Road	240 feet East of Spence Springs Road (South side)
Ho-Kay-Gon	Williamson Valley Road	414 feet Northeast of Yampa Drive (West side)
Cornville	Cornville Road	288 feet Northwest of Tuff Cody Trail (Southwest side)
Cornville	Cornville Road	232 feet Southeast of Ravens Roost Road (North side)

Yavapai County Public Works will begin deploying official regulatory signage at the entry points of these designated zones in the coming weeks. The ordinance takes effect July 3, 2026, and drivers of heavy machinery and commercial vehicles are encouraged to utilize standard braking mechanisms when traveling through these residential corridors.

For more information regarding Ordinance 2026-1 or to view a full copy of the approved text CLICK HERE(PDF, 157KB), or contact the Board of Supervisors office at (928) 771-3200.