(A) Generally.
(1) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL. The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.
HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLE. Any motorized vehicle with a gross vehicular weight of more than 8,000 pounds.
LIGHT MOTOR VEHICLE. Any automobile, van, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motor scooter or light truck with a gross vehicular weight of less than 8,000 pounds.
MODIFIED EXHAUST SYSTEM. An exhaust system in which:
1. The original noise abatement devices have been physically altered, causing them to be less effective in reducing noise;
2. The original noise abatement devices have been either removed or replaced by noise abatement devices which are not as effective in reducing noise as the original devices; or
3. Devices have been added to the original noise abatement devices such that noise levels are increased.
NOISE. Any sound which annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.
NOISE LEVEL. The A-weighted sound level produced by a light motor vehicle.
PERSON. Any individual, association, partnership or corporation, and includes any officer, employee, department, agency or instrumentality of a state or any political subdivision of a state.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument, which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time average or output meter, and weighing networks used to measure sound pressure levels. The instrument shall comply with the standards for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters as specified in ANSI S1.4-1971 or its successor.
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL. Twenty times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ration of the RMS sound pressure to the reference pressure of 20 micropascals. The SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL is expressed in decibels.
(2) Terminology. All terminology used in this section not defined in division (A)(1) above shall be in conformance with applicable publications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or its successor body.
(Prior Code, § 63.01)
(B) Noise limit. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause noise levels from the operation of a light motor vehicle in excess of 80 dBA and from a heavy motor vehicle in excess of 95 dBA in any area within the corporate limits of the town. Measurement shall be made on pedestrian walkways or on other suitable locations at a point closest to the street in accordance with procedures outlined in the Code of Recommended Practices on file with the Clerk-Treasurer.
(Prior Code, § 63.02)
(C) Excessive noise.
(1) Generally. In addition to the prohibitions provided for in division (B) above, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle which causes excessive noise levels as a result of a defective or modified exhaust system, or as a result of unnecessary rapid acceleration, deceleration, revving or tire squeal.
(2) Testing. At the request of the operator of the light motor vehicle, the officer can administer a stationary motor vehicle noise test as outlined in the Code of Recommended Practices on file with the Clerk-Treasurer. The stationary motor vehicle noise test can provide information as to the extent of defectiveness of the exhaust system or as to whether excessive noise levels were cause by improper operation of the light motor vehicle.
(Prior Code, § 63.03)
Penalty, see § 95.99