California: "Noise speed cameras" against loud exhausts

Known for strict emission regulations, California is considered a pioneer in climate protection compared to other US states. Now, California will not only take up the fight against exhaust fumes, but also against noise. In an effort to reduce noise pollution, the Golden State plans to introduce camera-based exhaust noise controls. This will be done through a just-approved five-year pilot programme involving six unspecified cities throughout California. It is scheduled to start on the first of January, after being signed off by California Governor Gavin Newsom.  

The project is made possible by a new technology, a kind of special "noise flasher". According to the bill, this was a sensor system that reacts to sound. If a vehicle exceeds the permitted noise level, the sensors activate a camera that then takes a "clear photo" of the licence plate. The limit values will remain the same as in the regulations already in force. They are 95 decibels for car exhausts and 80 decibels for motorbikes built after 1985. However, it is still unclear how the cameras will distinguish between cars and motorbikes.  

Californian car and motorbike drivers, however, need not fear any sudden surprises. Clear signs will inform road users that they are now entering a corresponding "measurement zone". In addition, first-time "noise violations" will not be charged - fines will only become due in case of repetition. The resulting revenue will initially be used to finance the project, but can also be used to implement "traffic calming measures".  

If everything goes according to plan, residents will finally be able to breathe deeply again thanks to the project. Increasingly, they were annoyed by car and motorbike bumper-to-bumper drivers and had to reckon with the poor air quality caused by exhaust fumes. Now the new "noise speed cameras" are supposed to enable progress in environmental protection. Less noise should mean less exhaust fumes and thus less air pollution. At least in the areas affected by the pilot project. 

The Golden State, however, is not the only state to consider such ideas. The first noise protection zone in Europe was created in 2020 in Außerfern (Austria). However, the requirement there only applies to motorbikes with stationary noise above 95db. A similar sound radar system to the one planned in California is instead already being tested in France as part of the Medusa project. Germany and Berlin are also looking into the possible creation of noise protection zones. In this case, not through the use of speed cameras, but as a welcome side effect of the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit for the city centre. Whether other cities will follow the Californian example, however, remains to be seen.