Eastern Nebraska Town Raising the Penalty for Engine Braking Within City Limits
By Aaron Bonderson 
, Report for America Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
Feb. 2, 2022, 3:17 p.m. ·
Ashland, Nebraska, a town of about 2,500 people between Omaha and Lincoln, is raising the penalty for engine braking. The city office has received numerous noise complaints due to semi-trucks using what’s called the Jake Brake inside city limits. The town has decided to change the fine from $10 to $100.
Joe Baulder is the police chief for Ashland. He said truck drivers typically know where they can use the loud brake but mistakes occur driving a semi for hours.
“Different things happen from time to time and I understand that. I feel sorry for them ‘cause I know they’re essential workers, the same as us, [the] same as first responders and whatnot,” Baulder said. “And I hate to write them citations when they make a mistake, but, by the same token, we’re hired by the citizens. They pay our taxes and we have to make a living the same as they do.”
Baulder said as they hear complaints from citizens, he’ll send officers to monitor the problem areas around town and ticket truck drivers violating the city ordinance.