New section in Bylaw to address excessive vehicle noise in Edmonton
Posted February 25, 2023 10:21 am.
Last Updated February 25, 2023 10:24 am.
Edmonton sent a message to noisy vehicle owners Friday, they could be hit with a costly fine.
Council voted 12-0 Friday to update the Traffic Bylaw to increase fines for excessively noisy vehicles to $1,000 and expanded it to include all vehicle types. The fine would double for repeat offences.
The previous bylaw only encompassed motorcycles and had fines maxing out at $250.
The new definition of vehicle noise is now kept broad so that noise coming from other sources like stereos or honking could be included if the noise is deliberately disturbing the peace.
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi hopes that a steeper fine will act as a deterrent. “People need to enjoy their quality of life in Edmonton and noisy vehicles disturb that. And some people deliberately cause that noise. I think we need to get tough on those people.”
RELATED: Edmonton’s excessively noisy drivers could be fined $1,000
Sohi notes most motorists and motorcyclists are not causing excessive noise, saying “they go about their hobby while respecting that other people get to enjoy and have a good quality of life.”
When it comes to enforcement, bylaw officers and police will still have the discretion to determine if the noise is intentional, or if the vehicle is damaged and in need of repairs. In the latter case, David Jones with the city of Edmonton’s Community Standards office says a warning is much more likely.
Ward papastew councillor stressing the bylaw is not out to target those who have damaged vehicles, such as catalytic converter thefts.
“We herd that loud and clear, bylaw officer said no of course not” says Michael Janz, “They said, ‘we can see if your muffler has been modified, we can see if you’ve added anti lag.’”
He believes the unanimous council decision shows how loud vehicles are a problem in all parts of the city, not just the core.
