Calgary Police Service targets excessive vehicle noise

Beginning in August, the Calgary Police Service Traffic Section will be testing a noise measuring device to assist in the enforcement of loud and unnecessary noise from a vehicle.

Once testing is complete, enforcement will focus on vehicles that are emitting excessive noise, which typically occurs during stunting, and disturbing the regular course of activity in a particular community or area of the city.

In order for a summons to be issued, officers must be able to demonstrate that the noise from the vehicle is excessive and above what the regular noise reading would be in that area based on their observations of impact to citizens and the environment. For example, high volume areas such as Deerfoot or Stoney Trail would register a reading higher than a reading on 17 Avenue, under normal circumstances.

Officers will spend the month of August gathering measurements for areas in the city that report a high number of noise complaints. During this period of testing, vehicles found to be creating excessive noise will be given a warning notice, but may still receive tickets for improper equipment and or stunting.

This enforcement will take place under Section 82 of the Traffic Safety Act which carries a fine of $115.