Local police are cracking down on loud and illegally modified vehicles in the area.
The Upper Ottawa Valley OPP is launching Operation Decibel next week (August 16th to August 22nd).
The campaign will address loud and unnecessary noise from vehicles which have been modified by removing the mufflers, or modifying the exhaust system.
Detachment Commander Inspector Stephan Neufeld says the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP has listened to local residents and Police Service Boards regarding the excessive and unnecessary noise generated by a small minority of car and motorcycle drivers.
Neufeld says the issue has risen to the level where the noise is having a negative impact on residents’ quality of life.
The fine for unnecessary noise and improper muffler violations is $110 each. No decibel reading is required for court or a conviction as officers can determine if the noise is loud enough to issue a ticket.
Officers will also be on the lookout for other illegal vehicle modifications, unsafe vehicle conditions and aggressive driving behaviours which can often accompany unnecessary noise violations.
Section 75 (1) of the Highway Traffic Act states:
Every motor vehicle or motor assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and excessive smoke, and no person shall use a muffler cut-out, straight exhaust, gutted muffler, Hollywood muffler, by-pass or similar device upon a motor vehicle or assisted bicycle.
Further, section 75 (4) of the HTA includes a section that reads as follows: “…nor shall the driver at any time cause the motor vehicle to make any unnecessary noise.”