Noise in unwanted sound, and excessively loud vehicle exhaust systems may present noise that is a nuisance to individuals and communities. Further, literature finds certain adverse health and quality of life effects related to noise.

The Florida Motor Vehicle Noise Prevention and Control Act and the federal Noise Control Act were adopted in the 1970s and have created a complicated legal framework that includes several competing laws. At the state and local levels, some laws may be preempted.

At the state and local levels, OPPAGA’s survey of law enforcement found that practices vary for the enforcement of exhaust noise related violations. Additionally, citations issued under state law for exhaust noise related offenses have increased over recent years. Over one-third of these citations were adjudicated guilty. While citations for exhaust noise related violations have increased, law enforcement reported several reasons why it is difficult to enforce state statutes for these offenses.

Florida currently has state statutes that address vehicle noise, including exhaust noise; however, there are options to further address exhaust noise being used in some other states and Florida municipalities. While Florida has state statutes that allow for enforcement of exhaust noise through violations for modified equipment or violations of maximum decibel limits, there are options to expand enforcement of existing statutes. Additionally, there are options for new approaches to enforce exhaust noise violations.

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.