This commentary is by Laura Hill-Eubanks, a Vermont attorney with expertise in environmental law and policy.
Vermont has a noise problem.
There are a significant number of loud motor vehicles on our roads, and they are getting louder and the noise more pervasive.
There are two main sources of loud motor vehicle noise. The first is the practice of modifying mufflers and exhaust systems on motorcycles, cars and trucks to deliberately increase their noise level.
The second is large commercial trucks that do not use mufflers that sufficiently limit the noise coming from their air compression brakes, a problem that affects some (but not all) trucking operations in the state.
Unfortunately, surprisingly little is being done by government officials or law enforcement to stop excessive motor vehicle noise in Vermont.
The state’s noise laws are among the weakest in the country, and fail to provide clear or effective enforcement standards.
A few towns have passed their own ordinances to limit the noise. But this is a statewide problem, one that requires a new state law that will prompt Vermont agencies and law enforcement to more effectively regulate and reduce noise levels.
Such a law is currently awaiting passage in the Vermont Legislature. S.66, with provisions based on federal standards, would require all motor vehicles that operate on the state’s roads to be equipped with adequate mufflers and exhaust systems.
Importantly, the law would prevent owners of motor vehicles from modifying their mufflers and exhaust systems to make them louder than the original, factory-installed systems.
These standards would result in sound limits on individual motor vehicles, and the collective effect of their implementation would be a noticeably quieter environment. The law provides exceptions for special events and emergencies.
S.66 passed out of the Vermont Senate Committee on Transportation by a unanimous, bipartisan vote and received a unanimous vote of support from the full Senate. It has also received strong support from Vermont residents, health experts and transportation professionals.
But a roadblock has been thrown up in the state legislature. Despite overwhelmingly favorable testimony on S.66 in the Senate, the leadership of the Vermont House Committee on Transportation has yet to hold any hearings on the bill.
If S.66 is to have any chance of becoming law, the House Committee will have to hold hearings and allow testimony from those affected.
Loud noise from motor vehicles is more than just an annoyance. The Vermont Public Health Association cautions that noise pollution can impair physical health and mental well-being.
The impacts of loud noise can lead to long-term health effects, including cardiovascular disease, stress-related illnesses and hearing loss.
Loud motor vehicle noise can significantly impact the quality of life. Those of us who have worked on S.66 have heard stories from many Vermonters who have had to live with the noise: the young mother whose infant son wakes up when loud vehicles drive by; the residents who must listen to the loud rumble of commercial trucks using unmuffled air brakes as they drive through town; the woman who moved into the home she always wanted, only to find the house is on a road that is a favorite of loud motorcycle riders.
Many of these people have tried to get government officials or law enforcement to help them, but have gotten nowhere.
Some residents have been so badly affected that they have moved out of their homes rather than live with the noise. Studies and surveys have shown that roadway noise pollution reduces property values, and noise is a major reason homeowners wish to move.
The state legislature needs to hear from Vermonters that they support more effective regulation of excessive motor vehicle noise. You can best show your support for S.66 by contacting the Chair of the Vermont House Transportation Committee. Consider sharing your story to help illustrate how serious the noise problem has become.
To our friends who own loud cars, trucks, or motorcycles: We respect your right to enjoy your ride. Vermont is a beautiful state to live in, work in and explore.
But we hope you might consider the impact you’re having on all the people who live in the places you ride by. If you could just drop the noise level down a bit — by using mufflers that actually muffle — we could all enjoy a more peaceful and healthy life.
