(a) No owner of a motor vehicle, operator of a motor vehicle, or person in physical control of a motor vehicle shall recklessly play, cause to be played, or permit to be played any sound generating or sound-amplifying device located within or upon such motor vehicle at such a level, volume, frequency or intensity that the sound emitted exceeds the capacity of such motor vehicle to fully absorb, insulate, deaden, shield or muffle the sound being emitted so that such sound is inaudible to persons located outside the motor vehicle in which the sound generating or sound-amplifying device is located.
(b) “Sound” shall be defined as any humanly audible stimulus.
(c) This provision shall not apply to:
(1) Sound generated by motor vehicle alarm devices for and during such a reasonable period as is necessary to permit the owner to silence the device without danger of attack or injury, or to obtain the assistance of public safety officials, whichever period is shorter;
(2) Sound caused by motor vehicle collisions, loss of control of a motor vehicle or sudden or severe application of the brakes of a motor vehicle;
(3) Sound resulting from damage caused by a motor vehicle collision which cannot be silenced because of damage done in the collision;
(4) Sound created by a motor vehicle and/or emergency vehicle, when engaged in responding to an emergency; and while at the scene of an emergency, or when testing their equipment;
(5) Sound resulting from any repair or restoration work upon a motor vehicle;
(6) Sound resulting from any work required to protect persons or property from exposure to danger;
(7) Sound emanating directly from a motor vehicle engine;
(8) Sound caused by contact between any part of a motor vehicle and the traveled portion of the roadway; and
(9) Sound from amplifier systems during any parade sanctioned by the Mayor or Service Director.
(d) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor, punishable pursuant to Section 501.99 of the Martins Ferry Codified Ordinances.
(Ord. 2002-08. Passed 2-21-02.)