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Monday, May 19, 2008

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/.

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