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SB 1339 Relating to Motor Vehicle Noise
Vehicle Noise to Be Monitered by Police

By Kalen Darling/ Heart of Hawaii

A new act will take effect July 1, 2009 in the state of Hawaii. Senate Bill 1339, sponsored by Michelle Kidani, relates to motor vehicle noise. Noise generated from the operation of radios or other mechanical sound making devices or instruments within a vehicle, even mufflers are defined as motor vehicle noise.
                                   

The bill states that it is unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to operate or amplify the sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical sound making device or instrument from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of twenty-five feet or more from the motor vehicle. It is also unlawful if the sound is louder than necessary for the convenient hearing of people inside the vehicle in areas near churches, schools, or hospitals.
                                   

Vehicles such as police cruisers and ambulances are exempt from the requirement because the devices they use are to enable them to carry out law enforcement and emergency procedures. The communication devices they use, such as sirens and radios, are for professional purposes, which allow them to operate them at any level necessary to perform their duties.
                                   

Devices on motor vehicles that make noise, such as horns, are also exempt from the noise level requirement. Motor vehicles can be cars, mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles. If the noise coming from a vehicle is plainly audible, it is able to be heard without the use of a hearing device. Even if the enforcement officer cannot identify the name of the song, the lyrics, or the artist of the song, the detection of the rhythmic component of the music is sufficient enough to qualify as plainly audible sound. If the sound of your muffler can be heard as an unusual noise from more than twenty-five feet from the motor vehicle, it also counts as plainly audible sound in a residential neighborhood. Violation of these requirements can earn you a citation.