Drivers facing $100 fine under new ‘noise law’ plan – sensors will look for offenders & cars need instant service
DRIVERS may face fines of $100 under a new ‘noise law’ plan coming to a major area in the US.
A pilot program could be introduced in Arlington County, Virginia, that will monitor car exhaust noise levels – with motorists risking heavy fines as a result.
GettyDrivers in Arlington County, Virginia, may face fines of $100 under a new ‘noise law’ plan[/caption]
GettyCounties and cities in District 16 and District 8 could even see noise monitoring systems installed[/caption]
A new bill is currently under consideration that would authorize counties and cities in District 16 and District 8 to place and operate noise monitoring systems.
In a way, they’ll act like speed cameras, but will instead record and enforce vehicle exhaust system violations.
According to a report by FOX 5, revenue from these violations would go toward transportation safety initiatives.
One respite for drivers is that any penalties picked up would not be reported on the driver’s operating record or insurance.
This comes as a similar law recently came into effect in Huntsville, Alabama, with car owners in the city risking fines of up to $50 if they’re pulled over.
However, these can rise to $250 or more for repeat offenders – and possibly even jail time.
The ruling, which began last week, comes after Huntsville City Council member Jennie Robinson revealed residents across the city had raised complaints to her regarding the amount of noise made by motorists in the area.
But tackling the problem proved difficult as the city’s Police Captain Chris Riley revealed enforcement under the state law was challenging.
“He said it was a ‘fix-it’ ticket,” said Robinson.
“Which meant you fix it, show that you’ve fixed it, and there’s nothing to prevent people from simply refitting whatever modification caused the irritating loud noise.”
Robinson and Riley, with aide from the city’s legal team, were able to create an ordinance that now gives local authorities more power to enforce the law.
Drivers who are pulled over for excessive car noise will be hit with a $50 fine, while a second offense over a following 12-month period will see the fine increase to $250.
A third violation within that same period will result in a $500 fine, 10 days in jail, or both.
Robinson said: “We put in some fines and penalties that would encourage a change in behavior and discourage people from just going and putting back whatever the modification was.”
Sergeant Chris Jackson with Huntsville Police Department believes the new ruling will help officers in the fight against noisy vehicles.
He added: “Now that it has teeth to it and now that it can be applied in situations where state law can’t, you’re now going to have that avenue where officers are enforcing it more frequently.”
What’s more, the current state car noise law only allows police to enforce it on state roadways and public roads.
But the new ordinance changes that, as Jackson explained: “It can be enforced on a parking lot.
“So, for example, at a car meet where several individuals are trying to show off how loud their car can be.”
New driving laws in 2025
Drivers across the United States are having to adjust to a slew of new road rules that take effect in 2025. Some of those include:
Daylighting law prohibiting drivers from parking their cars within 20 feet of any crosswalk in California
Stricter street racing penalties in California
Changes to car seat age and weight requirements in Colorado
Fines for failing to follow designated enter and exit areas for express lanes in Colorado
Bans on handheld devices while driving in Colorado and Missouri
Drivers allowed to have a digital copy of their license on their cell phones in Illinois
Yield right of way to emergency vehicles in Illinois
Drivers required to take a vision test to renew licenses in Kentucky
School bus safety law in Oregon
Vehicle safety inspections scrapped in Texas
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