Austin City Council has enacted a new ordinance aimed at curbing excessive vehicle noise, particularly targeting drivers who rev their engines above 85 decibels. This legislation introduces a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a potential fine of up to $500.
Police Chief Lisa Davis emphasized the challenges law enforcement has faced in addressing excessive noise due to vague existing regulations. The new ordinance aims to provide clearer guidelines for enforcement.
In a bid to balance enforcement with community concerns, Council Member Jose Velasquez included a provision requiring officers to issue a warning before a ticket is written. Velasquez expressed the importance of safeguarding vulnerable communities that could be disproportionately affected by such penalties. “Loud engine noises are disruptive. However, creating a new offense without first giving a citation or warning can inadvertently harm our most vulnerable neighbors,” he stated. “Out of an abundance of caution, I wanted to put in as many safeguards as possible and ensure that we are being as thoughtful as possible.”
Residents, particularly those living along RM 2222, have voiced their frustrations regarding noise disturbances from motorcycles and vehicles revving their engines late at night. Marisa Barreda Lipscher, president of the Shepherd Mountain Neighborhood Association, underscored the necessity of this ordinance to target habitual offenders.
“This ordinance is not aimed at someone whose muffler suddenly fails or has a one-time mechanical issue,” Lipscher clarified. “It is designed to address deliberate, repeated engine revving; racing; and explosive acceleration that endanger public safety and disrupt the daily lives of thousands of residents.”
This ordinance represents a significant shift in Austin’s traffic enforcement strategy as the police department intensifies patrols throughout the city. Council Member Marc Duchen, who serves the Northwest Austin area, noted that this change has been long overdue.
“We are not targeting normal, everyday drivers. We are not targeting any particular kind of vehicle,” Duchen remarked. “We are helping reduce noise from vehicles that are much, much louder than the average car.”
The city is also considering expanding the scope of the ordinance to encompass noise from sources beyond vehicles, such as landscaping equipment and construction vehicles. The city manager is expected to present further recommendations on this matter in the coming months.
