Alabama City Cracks Down on Loud Vehicles — Drivers Could Face Jail Time
One city in Alabama is getting serious about noise pollution. A new law in Huntsville is set to punish drivers whose cars exceed acceptable noise levels. Offenders could face steep fines, and repeat violations may even lead to jail time.
A Unanimous Decision
In an effort to reduce excessive vehicle noise, the Huntsville City Council recently voted 4-0 to strengthen the city's noise ordinance. The updated law specifically targets modified exhaust systems and overly loud vehicles, addressing long-standing concerns from residents about noise pollution.
Police Chief Kirk Giles emphasized the importance of the amendment, stating that excessive noise affects both quality of life and public safety, according to Newsweek. He explained that the increased fines are intended to encourage compliance and prevent repeat violations, ultimately creating a quieter and more peaceful environment for the community.
What the New Law Means for Drivers
Drivers in Huntsville can now be pulled over if their vehicles are deemed too loud. The first offense comes with a $50 fine, but drivers can have their ticket absolved if they provide proof that the issue has been fixed. However, repeated violations within the same year could cost drivers up to $500, and those who continually break the law may even face jail time.
Officials said the law is needed to keep the peace, according to Newsweek, as complaints about loud exhaust systems disrupting neighborhoods have been on the rise. With this change, law enforcement can now issue citations on the spot for excessive vehicle noise.
Law Targets Modified Vehicles
Huntsville Police Sergeant Christopher Jackson emphasized that the law is aimed at drivers who deliberately modify their vehicles to be louder.
"It's one of those, you'll know it when you hear it," Jackson told Huntsville news station WAAY31, according to Newsweek. "People who are removing the catalytic converter from their manufacturer exhaust. People who are installing cutouts to their exhaust where it runs bypass the mufflers and the cats and everything to make a much louder exhaust note."
The city's legal team, Robinson and Riley, stated that the fines and penalties were designed to discourage repeat offenses. "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," Robinson said, as reported by The U.S. Sun.
Could Drivers Really Face Jail Time?
While fines are the immediate penalty, repeated offenses could result in criminal charges. In some cases, persistent violators may be facing a $250 to $500 fine and sentenced to 10 days in jail. The city hopes that strict enforcement will deter drivers from modifying their vehicles with excessively loud exhausts.
Noise Crackdown: A Growing Movement
Huntsville isn't the only government entity cracking down on excessive vehicle noise. Similar noise ordinances exist across the country:
- New York City's SLEEP Act imposes fines of up to $1,000 for excessively loud exhaust systems.
- Florida law prohibits playing music that can be heard from more than 25 feet away.
- California enforces strict vehicle noise limits, capping passenger vehicle exhaust noise at 95 decibels.
- Chicago and Washington, D.C. have enacted regulations targeting loud car stereos and modified exhaust systems, with escalating fines for repeat offenders.
How Drivers Can Avoid Fines
To comply with the law, drivers should keep their vehicles within acceptable noise limits by performing regular maintenance and avoiding aftermarket modifications that make them louder. Since first-time offenders can have their ticket dismissed if they fix the issue, addressing the problem immediately can save Alabama drivers money and hassle.
References: Thousands of Drivers Face Jail Time If Their Cars Are Too Loud | NOISE-CANCELING New March 1 noise law will hit drivers with $50 fine if they're pulled over – it'll jump to $250 for repeat offenders
