2024 -- S 2898

========

LC004418

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NOISE LIMITS FOR MOTOR

VEHICLES

     Introduced By: Senator Jacob Bissaillon

     Date Introduced: March 22, 2024

     Referred To: Senate Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 31-45-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-45 entitled "Noise Limits

for Motor Vehicles" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     31-45-1. Noise limits.

     (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle, nor shall the owner of any vehicle allow the

vehicle to be operated, at any time, or under any condition of grade, load, acceleration, or

deceleration, in such a manner as to exceed the following noise limit based on a distance of fifty

feet (50′) from the center of the lane of travel within the speed limit. For the purposes of this section,

“dbA” means decibels measured with a calibrated sound level meter weighted to the “A” scale, and

"dbC" means decibels measured with a calibrated sound level meter weighted to the "C" scale.

     (b) In speed zones of thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph) or less, not more than eighty-six

(86) dbA. In speed zones of more than thirty-five miles per hour (35 mph), not more than ninety

(90) dbA.

     (c) Violations of this section are subject to fines enumerated in § 31-41.1-4.

     (d) Municipalities are hereby authorized to install and operate automated noise violation

detection systems. Such systems shall be limited to systems which monitor and detect violations of

noise limits. Municipalities are also authorized to install and operate automated noise violation

detection systems that measure dbC levels and promulgate ordinances that define acceptable dbC

levels. For purposes of this section, an automated noise violation detection system means a system

with one or more sensors which produces images of motor vehicles being operated in violation of

this section along with a detected dbA level or dbC level caused by the vehicle. Any violations or

fines associated with this section may not be for any amount greater than the penalties enumerated

in § 31-45-4.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

========

LC004418

========

LC004418 - Page 2 of 3

EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- NOISE LIMITS FOR MOTOR

VEHICLES

***

     This act would enable municipalities to install and use automated systems to detect noise

limit violations in order to enhance enforcement abilities and reduce noise violations state-wide.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

========

LC004418

========

LC004418 - Page 3 of 3