Bartow County, GA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulated devices
- Engine/compression brakes, i.e. Jake brakes, exhaust brakes
- Covered roads
- 5 designated stretches, incl. Old Alabama Rd, US 41, SR 20
- Signs required?
- No, ordinance enforceable with or without posted signs
- Exception
- Emergency vehicles and imminent-danger braking
- Adopted/amended
- May 8, 2019; amended January 18, 2023
Summary
Bartow County Code § 70-43 bans loud engine or compression braking, commonly called Jake brakes, on specific unincorporated county highway segments, including stretches of Old Alabama Road, US 41, US 411 and State Route 20. The prohibition applies even where warning signs have not yet been posted.
(a)Purpose. The purpose of this section is to prohibit the excessive, loud, unusual or explosive use of engine and compressed air-braking devices within designated areas in unincorporated Bartow County. ... (c)Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to use or operate or cause to be used or operated within designated areas in the unincorporated area, any engine brake, compression brake or mechanical exhaust device designed to aid in the braking or deceleration of any vehicle that results in excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise from such vehicle, unless such use is necessary to avoid imminent danger.
Full Breakdown
Section 70-43, adopted May 8, 2019 and amended January 18, 2023, targets the excessive, loud, unusual or explosive use of engine and compressed air-braking devices, defined as any device that slows or brakes a vehicle by releasing compressed air from an engine cylinder before fuel ignition, commonly called a Jacobs brake, Jake brake or exhaust brake. 5 miles of Highway 411 north between Mt. 9 miles of State Route 20 from JR Road east to Timberlake Cove. The road department director may post signs reading 'VEHICLE NOISE LAWS ENFORCED' or 'ENGINE BRAKE ORDINANCE ENFORCED,' though a permit from the state Department of Transportation is required before any sign goes up on a state highway, and the ordinance stays fully enforceable even where no sign has been installed. Emergency vehicles are exempt, and a driver may still use the brake if necessary to avoid imminent danger.
Violations & Fines
Section 70-43 sets no fine of its own, so a compression brake violation on a designated stretch of road falls under the Code's general penalty, § 1-19: a fine of up to $1,000.00, imprisonment up to 180 days, or both, imposed by Bartow County Magistrate Court, with each violation charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jake brakes illegal everywhere in Bartow County?
Do I need to see a sign before I can be cited?
Is there an exception for emergencies?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bartow County
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