Councilmembers want to use noise cameras to try to reduce excessive sound from cars in the county.
County Council Vice President Kate Stewart and Councilmember Natali Fani-González introduced a bill Tuesday that would create a pilot program to help enforce state laws for exhaust noise by using automated noise cameras.
County police would place three audio cameras across the county that would detect and measure noise, according to a council release. The devices would have microphones to identify excessive noise. When volume is detected at least five decibels above state law — which dictates vehicles cannot go above 80 decibels — the camera would capture video of the vehicle for identification.
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Stewart noted concerns from residents as the main impetus for the bill. Modified mufflers interrupt sleep and create noise levels that prohibit “just simple conversations” out in social settings, she said.
A warning notice would be issued for the first offense, and the repercussion for a second offense would be a fine of no more than $75. The penalty after an initial warning would be civil, not criminal.
Stewart said that modifying exhausts, particularly to make louder noise, is already unlawful, “and it has just been difficult for us to enforce that law. And by having the noise cameras, we will be able to help our public safety members do that.”
She said there is more and more research linking noise pollution to physical and mental health issues in kids and adults — “It is linked to depression, heart disease, cognitive impairments, and strokes.”
Fani-González said, “Sadly the reality is that folks who usually modify their cars to make this noise — they tend to speed.”
At the end of the day, it is about creating safe communities for people, Fani-González said. She looks forward to committee worksessions in the fall.
Council President Andrew Friedson called it “a major quality of life issue.” All councilmembers are cosponsors of the bill. A public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Police would have to publish the locations of the cameras and would have to put signage near the cameras. Police would also have to wait at least 15 days after putting up signage before citations can be issued.
The pilot would sunset June 30, 2026 as required by enabling legislation, according to council documents. During the last legislative session in Annapolis, Del. Julie Palakovich Carr led efforts to enable local governments to establish pilot programs to reduce excessive car noise by using noise cameras, Stewart said.
