As we all continue to enjoy our summer months, I felt it was a good time to revisit the issue of accountability. I have written in the past about how each of us is accountable to each other. A big part of this is empathy, which is to say. “How might others feel?” This is also a key component of emotional intelligence. This idea that some are oblivious to those around them, focusing only on their own reality, strikes me each time that I am on my porch enjoying a peaceful surrounding, only to have that peace interrupted by unreasonable noise emitted by either vehicles or motorcycles traveling by. Or, to hear the music emitting from a vehicle long before I can even see that vehicle.
When it comes to loud exhaust, most will associate this with motorcycles, and while these seem to be the most common, there are also vehicle owners and operators who fall into this same inconsiderate category. While it is acceptable to modify an exhaust system, in many of these situations, exhaust systems are modified to the point where there is little baffling of the noise directly off the engine, which results in an extremely annoying experience for anyone within the area. Another recent trend is the modification of a vehicle’s exhaust system, which facilitates the emission of large black plumes. In either case, these modifications are both unnecessary and without merit.
Similarly, there are those who feel that a ride in their vehicle is not complete without elevating the volume to the point where it can be both heard and, in some cases, even felt blocks away by those who really have no desire to be part of their musical experience.
First Loud exhaust, this is very simple, if your exhaust system is broken, fix it. If you have purchased an exhaust system that did not come originally with the vehicle or motorcycle, make sure it is not unreasonably loud. The following is the Wisconsin State Statute that covers loud exhaust:
347.39(1)
(1) No person shall operate on a highway any motor vehicle subject to registration unless such motor vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke. This subsection also applies to motor bicycles.
Next, let’s cover loud radios. We all enjoy our own select taste in music, and we all enjoy listening to it as we travel to and from our destinations. There is a belief that if the music is good at a low volume, it will be even better at a higher volume. While this may be the case, we all need to consider those around us and whether or not they need to hear this music as well. There is no reason for a vehicle's sound system to be heard two blocks away, and in some cases, literally “felt” at the same distance. The following is the Wisconsin State Statute that covers loud music from a motor vehicle:
346.94(16) RADIOS OR OTHER ELECTRIC SOUND AMPLIFICATION
DEVICES. No person may operate or park, stop, or leave standing a motor vehicle while using a radio or other electric sound amplification device emitting sound from the vehicle that is audible under normal conditions from a distance of 75 feet or more, unless the electric sound amplification device is being used to request assistance or warn against an unsafe condition.
In both of these circumstances, please note that we in law enforcement have an obligation to maintain peace and order in our community. The desire for a portion of our population to do as they wish is not acceptable. Just because you like the loud rumble coming from your cycle does not give you the right to intrude on others' right to enjoy a peaceful afternoon. If you are that attached to your exhaust system, please feel free to run it in the seclusion of your own home; however, once you are out on the public roadway, you now fall under our rules as a society, and yes, you will be held accountable. If you feel the need to emit black smoke from your vehicle’s exhaust, feel free to pipe it directly into your own home. As in most things in life, it’s quite simple: Do the right thing.
Similarly, if you like to listen to your vehicle’s sound system at a high decibel, feel free to park it in your yard and enjoy. Please know that in this case, whether on the road or in your yard, you will still need to turn it down if it becomes a nuisance to your neighbors. Once again, in simple terms, do the right thing.
While this may not be a popular action to enforce, again, it is our sworn duty, and I hope that all can appreciate and respect our obligation to the preservation of peace and tranquility within our communities. If anyone has any questions or concerns regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. (920)255-1100. Thank You!!
