Michigan Bill Aims To Crack Down On Intentionally Loud Cars
Nothing says the weather is breaking in Michigan like loud cars driving up and down the road. And by loud, I’m not talking about windows down and music blasting. I’m talking loud mufflers and exhausts.
Sorry to break it to you car enthusiasts, but a bill introduced to the Michigan Legislature is looking to decrease noise pollution around Metro Detroit. More specifically, along Woodward Avenue. House Bill 5696 was introduced on April 25 and, if passed, would increase fines for motorists who intentionally modify their cars to be excessively noisy.
What does the proposed Michigan bill entail?
The bill ensures police officers have the authority to stop vehicles for excessive noise and increases penalties for related infractions. It was referred to the Committee of Transportation.
Michigan State Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) introduced House Bill 5696 last week, “We are looking to do a $500 penalty for the first infraction. $1,000 for subsequent infractions,” said state Rep. Price, who brought forth the legislation.
The driving force behind the bill is the rumbling of cars with modified exhausts on Woodward Avenue, which has been a cruising destination for auto enthusiasts for decades.
Officials say that the bill increases fines and penalties not only for those who alter a vehicle’s exhaust system to increase noise production but also drivers of those vehicles. It will allow law enforcement to impound or tow vehicles of repeat offenders.
According to Harvard Medicine, noise from exhaust systems raises quality-of-life issues and may have negative impacts on people’s health. They said that sound pollution can increase stress and trouble sleeping, which can exacerbate cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, type 2 diabetes, and memory, attention, and concentration issues.
“Noise pollution is particularly problematic for vulnerable populations, such as children, seniors, veterans suffering from PTSD, and those undergoing at-home healing. Pets also are stressed out by loud noises,” they stated.
What do people think about the proposed bill?
Some people took to Reddit to share their thoughts on the proposed bill. One person said, “I’m OK with this as long as they go after Harley riders first. If one bike is louder than my dualed exhaust truck with mufflers, then we have a problem.”
Another person said, “It’s 24/7 loud, house-shaking noise by my house all summer. I would love something to be done.” Someone suggested a decibel limit. Unsure how that would work exactly but they said that “the car culture in Michigan will always have modded exhaust and headers, so why not regulate it.”