NYC Targets Loud Cars By Using Camera With Sound Meter

NEW YORK CITY — Obnoxiously loud cars could face thousands of dollars in fines from a new device that's the equivalent of a speed camera for noisy New York City vehicles.

A roadside sound meter that detects roaring mufflers has already been installed at an undisclosed location as part of a pilot program from the Department of Environmental Protection, officials said.

“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," Commissioner Rit Aggarwala said. "This technology offers some real promise in helping us to provide some relief for our neighbors."

The device is part of a pilot program quietly launched in July that's already sent 71 notices to owners of vehicles that violate the city's Noise Code.

A first offense under the program comes with $220 ticket, authorities said. A repeated default carries up to a $2,625 ticket.

Those penalties could be increased in March under a new state law that gives lays out stiffer fines, officials said.

The popular Facebook group Lowered Congress — for owners of cars modified to ride low to the pavement — shared an image of what appears to be a notice under the program, first reported by Road & Track.

"Your vehicle was records by a camera that takes a picture of the vehicle and the license plate," the notice states. "In addition, a sound meter records the decibel level as the vehicle approaches and passes the camera."

Notices request owners submit their vehicles to noise compliance inspections — the first took place in the fall and the second slated for this week, the official said.

The DEP has permission to send violations — as in tickets — without inspections and could start doing so this spring, officials said.

The sound meter and camera are activated when a noise registers at or above 85 decibels from 50 feet or more away, officials said.