(a) No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system from within the vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty or more feet from the vehicle. Such prohibition shall apply when the motor vehicle is stopped, standing, parked or moving on a street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway.
(b) “Sound amplification system” means any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker or other electronic device used for the amplification of the human voice or music.
(c) “Plainly audible” means any sound produced by a sound amplification system which can be clearly heard at a distance of fifty feet or more. Measurement standards shall be the auditory senses, based upon direct line of sight. Words and phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations are included.
(d) It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that the operator was not otherwise prohibited by law from operating the sound amplification system, and that any of the following apply:
(1) The system was being operated to request medical or vehicular assistance or to warn of a hazardous road condition;
(2) The vehicle was an emergency or public safety vehicle;
(3) The vehicle was owned and operated by a political subdivision or a gas, electric, communications, or refuse company;
(4) The vehicle was used in an authorized public activity, such as a parade, fireworks exhibition, sports event, musical production, or other activity which had the approval of the department of the City authorized to grant such approval.
(e) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. 111-1998. Passed 7-6-98.)