Taskforce Targeting Speed, Loud Exhaust Hits OC Coastal Communities

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Orange County roads just got a little safer, after the Laguna Beach Police Department led a multi-agency operation targeting loud exhaust and modified vehicle exhaust.

The continued effort is a part of the city's response to safety and quality of life issues that continue to impact residents throughout Orange County, including coastal communities from San Clemente to Seal Beach, the Laguna Beach Police Department said in a news release.

Saturday's enforcement included police officers from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, CSU Fullerton, Seal Beach, Tustin and deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

In total, authorities reported the following results from the operation:

• 198 vehicles were stopped for vehicle code violations.
• 98 vehicles were issued citations (which include loud and/or modified exhaust and emissions).
• 15 vehicles were inspected on-site for modified exhaust by a BAR Referee.
• 34 vehicles were issued citations for Basic Speed or Exceed 65 MPH.
• 82 other violations.
• 1 arrest and 4 vehicles towed.

“Aftermarket or custom vehicle exhausts that exceed noise limits set by law are a continual problem along the coastal communities within Orange County. Our communities are greatly affected by the nuisance of loud noise, and we will continue to work with our neighboring police agencies to address the issue,” Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert said in a statement.

The Laguna Beach Police Department will continue these joint law enforcement agency speed and loud exhaust operations in Orange County over the summer, authorities said.