2024-53 Street Noise

WHEREAS, excessively loud noise from modified motor vehicles and motorcycles is harmful to the public health, safety and well-being, and impacts the quality of life in many Newport neighborhoods; AND

WHEREAS, excessively loud noise from motor vehicles and motorcycles is the result of deliberate actions from owners and users to alter the exhaust system by making changes, modifications, alterations, deletions or adjustments to the exhaust system to generate a higher or louder sound level than that generated by the system customarily installed by the manufacturer as original equipment; AND

WHEREAS, it is illegal for a person to use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device on a motor vehicle on a highway under the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island, and also under the City of Newport's ordinances; AND

WHEREAS, an exhaust system is deemed defective if any changes, modifications, alterations, deletions or adjustments have been made which would case the exhaust system to generate a higher or louder sound level then would be generated by the exhaust system customarily installed by the manufacturer as original equipment; AND

WHEREAS, under state law and the City's Ordinances, motor vehicles must be in conformance with applicable dbA levels set forth in said law and ordinances; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: It is the policy of the City of Newport to prevent excessively loud noise from motor vehicles which harms the public health, safety and welfare of our residents; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the City shall utilize technological means to expand the enforcement of noise ordinances, which shall include portable and stationary motor vehicle noise cameras; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: that the attached Exhibit A shall be incorporated into the City Ordinances.

MARK ARAMLI

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
MAY 22, 2024

LAURA C. SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK