DEP Expands Sound-Detection Program, Will Issue Summonses to Owners of Loud Vehicles

By: BZ Green

Owners of vehicles whose mufflers emit a loud sound may be hit with a summons of up to $800 thanks to the expansion of a pilot program aimed at removing loud and polluting vehicles from NYC roads.

Unlike red light or speed cameras, these detectors are hidden, and they’re activated when they detect a vehicle emitting a loud noise. DEP officials review the camera's record with sound, and the footage. Owners will receive a summons if the sound emitted is 85 decibels and above.

Thus far, during the pilot phase of this program, more than seventy summonses have been issued, and the program is set to be expanded beginning in February.

“Vehicles that emit obnoxious levels of noise in violation of state and city law have become a top quality of life concern for many New Yorkers and this technology offers some real promise in helping us to provide some relief for our neighbors,” DEP Commissioner Rit Aggarwala said. “We will monitor the pilot program closely and if it continues to show promise, we will look to expand it in the coming months.”

photo credit: Flickr