§ 11-56-2. Motorized vehicles.

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vehicle, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motorbikes, minibikes, and go-carts, within the city limits, on private or public property, which creates a noise or sound which exceeds the noise level limits set out in Table I below:

Table I
Limiting Noise Levels
for Motor Vehicles

	Maximum Allowable Limit (dB(A))
Trucks and buses:
Over 10,000 pounds:
Measured at 50 feet	87
Measured at 25 feet	93
Under 10,000 pounds:
Measured at 50 feet	80
Measured at 25 feet	86
Passenger cars:
Measured at 50 feet	78
Measured at 25 feet	84
Motorcycles, go-carts, trail bikes and other motorized vehicles not classified as trucks or passenger cars:
Measured at 50 feet	87
Measured at 25 feet	93

 

A.

The measurement of sound or noise shall be made with a sound level meter meeting the standards prescribed by the American National Standards Institute. The instrument shall be maintained in calibration and good working order. A calibration check shall be made of the system at the time of any noise measurement. Measurements recorded shall be taken so as to provide a proper representation of the noise source and shall not exceed the above levels as measured in any direction. The microphone during measurement shall be positioned so as not to create any unnatural enhancement or diminution of the measured noise. A windscreen for the microphone shall be used when required. Traffic, aircraft and other transportation noise sources and other background noises shall not be considered in taking measurements except where such background noise interferes with the primary noise being measured.

B.

Measurement of noise levels caused by a moving vehicle shall be confirmed by a noise level measurement taken with the vehicle stationary. The driver of the vehicle shall be required to accelerate his or her engine to one-half throttle, in order to conduct the noise level reading.

(Code 1967, § 23-132; Code 1985, § 21-350(b); Ord. No. 2106, § 1, 8-20-1974)