What To Do About “Boom Car” Violators

Noise, noise, noise...some people say there is simply too much noise these days.  One noise issue that gets many drivers steamed comes from those huge, powerful, boom car stereo systems.  A viewer sent me an email wondering if there is a law against those who misuse them.  Well, there is a law against those noise violations.  A closer look at the problem and the law against it in this on your side Problem Solver report.

Some people call them “boom cars” and they can rock your world.  “I have a total of 12 speakers to start with.  Then I have four 12-inch cross fires,” says boom car owner John Jackson.  These high-powered music systems don’t come cheap…they can run into the thousands of dollars.  Shaina Bell of Panama City says, “I do play my music really loud...out of consideration to other people…when I pull up to a red light I don’t usually have my music up loud.”

But, some irresponsible owners of these pricey high-tech sound systems don’t know when to turn down the music.  That can mean a pullover by the police.
Panama City Police Officer Jason Jeter watches traffic across the city during his patrol shift.  He says noise citations seem to be an increasing problem and, says he tickets violators almost everyday.  “It’s not just a warning, we write a citation.  I feel if they are invading others privacy and others space by their offensive language in their music they need to be cited for that,” says Officer Jeter.

Florida statute number 316.3045..."Prohibits the playing of music or any other noise from a vehicle loud enough to be heard at a distance of 25 feet.”
Officer Jeter says noise violators are damaging their hearing.  And he says,” If we are trying to get to an emergency situation and we have our lights and sirens activated, they just can’t hear.  I followed a guy for about three blocks yesterday with my lights and sirens on trying to get him to pull over and he couldn’t hear that it was behind him because his music was too loud.”

There is a national organization that targets boom car stereo violators and other so-called “noise pollution.” Noise Free America has a web site that details its mission and there are even chapters in Florida.  Although, I did not find one in Panama City...yet.

So, in the meantime, what can you do about those who wish to crank it up too loud?  Officer Jeter says, “Call our department or whatever agency they are near and let them know.  Give a description of the vehicle and what the location is at that time. Tag number… anything that is available.  If there is an officer in that area, they will try to get behind them and make contact with that person.”

So, what do those face for violating the car noise statute?  Officer Jeter says the tickets are $70.50.  It is considered a non-moving violation with no points against the offender’s license.  Some Floridians feel that fine is too low.  In central Florida, residents are asking state leaders to take action and step up the penalty.

To learn more about Noise Free America, click this link http://www.noisefree.org/.

Posted by on 05/19 at 01:59 PM
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I think the noise statute needs to be revised. What is the purpose of having a stero system if you cant listen to it the way you want too!  There is a lot of noise around us and some of us have to adapt, not saying you dont have respect for others but, where is the FREEDOM OF MUSIC!!! Im still going to play my music and if they want to ticket me so be it.

Above comment posted by CWilliams  on  05/19  at  06:32 PM
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After seven surgeries on my daughters ears many noises bother her and it is very painful - thank God they are finally foinf somethign about it

Above comment posted by  on  05/19  at  10:29 PM
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Boom cars are bad, I agree. What bothers me as much if not more are these people that take the mufflers off of their Harley Davidsons. It’s not so bad when they just cruise by, but when they take off from a start, the noise is awful. I live near the park at Carrabelle Beach, and weekends here are living hell, thanks to all the weekend “bikers”. Seems a bit racist to me that enforcement comes down on boom cars, but the just as loud Harleys are looked upon as some sort of American icon. Maybe because cops often ride Harleys off-duty has something to do with it too.  Bikers say they make it loud for “safety” (they hear us coming), but these are the same whiners that complain about helmet laws violating their rights…

Above comment posted by  on  05/20  at  05:37 AM
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Sound Systems has become a hobby for all ages. Just like eveything else it has to be taken away. I have one of the loudest vehicles in the world but i also know the limits to safety on the roads. I also respect others nearby my home. Not eveyone plays by the same rules but we all have to pay the price. There are alot more things that makes more noise out there that are not harassed.(example, the man that starts his Harley every morning at 5am 3 houses down)The same person is fast to call the police with someone drives by playing there music. 25FT, you can hear music from my cell phone from 40ft. New cars are build very sound proof to road noise that you cannt not hear much outside with the windows up anyways. I’ve been in countries were load music was aloud and everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time and had respect for others. It seems anything that is fun will not be aloud and we wonder why the young generation ends up in so much trouble.

Above comment posted by  on  05/20  at  10:44 PM
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sue them?

Above comment posted by Auto  on  05/27  at  01:56 PM
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Well, I’ve seen people pull up to convenience stores where the driver has the stereo blasting music with repetitive F***, Mother F*** in the lyrics on too many occasions. On several occasions I’ve asked that they turn down their stereo, especially, when a soccer mom’s kids are sitting in the mini van next to them. In all cases they complied. I guess it was either that I was polite in my request, or the fact that I’m 6’4 and 240lbs.

Worse though, are the people on the cell phones eating a burger, smoking a cigarette, picking their noses and having a conversation with with the person on the phone and all the passengers.

It’s easy to spot them, they are usually going down the wrong way lane in the parking lot at the super center...or driving 30mph in a 55mph zone.

Above comment posted by  on  05/28  at  07:03 PM
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