Rhode Island has become the first US state to use noise cameras to catch drivers of noisy vehicles, issuing fines ranging from $250. The cameras, which can detect sounds exceeding 80 decibels, target cars and motorcycles with loud engines, stereos, or exhausts that violate city noise laws.
The technology was installed in response to complaints from residents who were tired of being disturbed by loud noises on the streets. Newport’s Police Chief Ryan Duffy said the handheld meters previously used were ineffective against “mobile” culprits. The new cameras linked to license plate reader technology allow officers to pinpoint specific vehicles causing noise.
Some locals, like realtor Caroline Richards, welcome the new measure as a long-overdue solution. Others, such as Reddit user who drives a high-performance car, criticize the system for unfairly targeting drivers of modified vehicles. The cameras are set to be expanded across the US, including cities like Knoxville and New York City, which has issued over 2,500 tickets since 2021.
Source: https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/new-noise-cameras-catching-loud-1320729