Revving Engines and Loud Stereos: A Guide to Dealing with Vehicle Noise

What Do Ordinances Typically Say About Vehicle Noise?

Most municipal codes have sections specifically dedicated to regulating noise from motor vehicles. These rules are separate from general quiet hours and apply at all times of the day. Common regulations include:

• Loud Stereos: Many ordinances have a "plainly audible" standard, making it illegal for a car stereo to be clearly heard from a certain distance (e.g., 25 or 50 feet) away from the vehicle.
• Modified or Defective Exhausts: It is almost universally illegal to operate a vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified to make it louder than the original factory equipment.
• Unnecessary Noise: This is a catch-all category that includes actions like excessive horn honking, engine revving when not accelerating, and "squealing tires" or "peeling out."

The Challenge of Enforcement

The biggest challenge with vehicle noise complaints is that the source is moving. Unlike a stationary party, a police or code enforcement officer usually needs to witness the violation as it happens to issue a citation. This makes reporting a single, passing incident very difficult.

The key to effective enforcement is to identify and document a pattern of behavior, especially if the same vehicle is causing a recurring problem in your neighborhood.

Your Action Plan for Recurring Vehicle Noise

If a specific car or motorcycle is repeatedly causing a disturbance, here are the steps to take:

1. Document the Pattern: Create a log. Note the date, time, and location of each incident. Most importantly, try to get a detailed description of the vehicle:
   • Make, model, and color.
   • License plate number (this is the most crucial piece of information).
   • Any distinguishing features, like spoilers or stickers.
2. Gather Video Evidence (Safely): If possible, a short video clip from your phone or a home security camera can be very persuasive. The footage will have a timestamp and capture the sound.
3. Contact the Non-Emergency Police Line: Vehicle noise is a matter for the police, not code enforcement. Call their non-emergency number and explain that you're reporting a recurring issue. Provide your log and the vehicle's description. This allows them to be on the lookout for the specific vehicle in your area during their patrols.

What About Street Racing and 'Sideshows'?

If the noise is from organized street racing, "sideshows" (where cars perform stunts for crowds), or other dangerous driving, this is a much more serious public safety issue. These incidents should be reported to the police immediately. Emphasize the dangerous nature of the activity when you call.

The Takeaway

While frustrating, you do have recourse against nuisance vehicle noise. The most effective strategy is to move beyond complaining about a single event and instead focus on providing the police with a documented pattern of behavior, including a vehicle description and license plate number. This information gives them the tools they need to target the repeat offender and restore quiet to your street.