The city of Avoca, Iowa will start fully enforcing a new noise camera system targeting engine brakes, often called "Jake brakes," along Highway 59 starting in October 2025.

Why it matters: The cameras and microphones are meant to catch vehicles, mostly semi trucks, that break the town's noise rules by using loud engine brakes inside city limits.

• The system records both sound and video if a vehicle goes over legal noise levels. City staff check the recordings before mailing out tickets.
• Signs will be put up to alert drivers that the area is photo enforced.

By the numbers: In a test run earlier this year, city officials found 183 violations from 83 different vehicles. Nearly half were repeat violations, and about a third came from just five vehicles.

What they're saying: Mayor Tom Bruck said, "Jake brakes have been a problem in our community for a long time; it’s exciting to finally have a way to do something about it."

Truckers passing through Avoca should expect to see enforcement pick up along the main route in October. The city made it clear that while the rules about engine brakes aren't changing, they now have a new way to hand out tickets for the same old ordinance.