City Debuts ‘Noise Cameras’, Hefty Fines for Violators

YS Gold 

Close to 25,000 noise complaints have been filed on the Upper West Side alone this year, and the City is responding by placing two noise cameras which will detect sound above a certain level and issue fines to violators. 

According to the Department of Environmental Protection, the camera activates when it detects noise of above 85 decibels. 

According to City officials, the greatest violators are vehicles with illegally-modified mufflers which create a loud noise when being driven. 

Fines for violators will be $800 for first-time offenders and a whopping $2,500 for subsequent offenses. 

Within the same week of announcing the new sound restriction cameras, the City also announced that New York City mosques will not need a permit to broadcast Muslim call to prayer on Fridays between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. and in the evenings during the month-long Ramadan despite sound restrictions in City neighborhoods.