Calgary to increase patrol, enforcement of noisy vehicles

Calgarians driving excessively loud or modified vehicles on city streets this summer can expect to face fines, as traffic safety officials amp up enforcement.

The city says its Traffic Safety Team is hoping to reduce vehicle noise and improve quality life across various neighbourhoods.

“Loud vehicles affect everyone,” said Insp. Brad Johnson, head of the Traffic Safety Team. “This is about shared responsibility. We all contribute to safer, quieter streets through respectful driving and awareness of how our actions affect our neighbours.”

Common noisy vehicle violations include noisy exhausts and mufflers, excessive engine revving. squealing tired, roaring or explosive sounds, loud stereos. amplification equipment. and recurring or prolonged vehicle alarms.

Modifying a vehicle to increase noise, such as installing aftermarket mufflers or altering exhaust systems, can also result in fines for the vehicle owners.

The city explains the Traffic Safety Team uses advanced tools, including calibrated decibel metres, noise sensors, and body-worn cameras, to detect and document noise violations.

Enforcement is focused on areas with high traffic complaints and noise reports, it adds.

Peace officers assess objectionable vehicle noise using various factors, including technological measurements, data and information such as location, time of day, volume and duration of the noise.

Drivers are responsible for all noise generated by their vehicles, the city says.

Fines can include $270 for operating a vehicle over the legal noise limit and $300 for failing to comply during a noise level test.

How to reduce your vehicle noise:

• Keep your vehicle in good shape and take it in for repairs promptly when needed
• Reduce your stereo volume and avoid excessive engine revving
• Drive with consideration and respect your neighbours
• Restore your vehicle to its original condition if you have modified it with after-market parts

“We all have a part to play,” said Johnson. “A city with less noise pollution is more welcoming, more livable and better for everyone.”

Residents can report noisy vehicles through 311 (phone, app or online), and urgent safety issues should be reported to Calgary Police via 911.

Reports help the city identify problem areas and prioritize enforcement.

The city says vehicle noise impacts the health of Calgarians, citing studies that link traffic noise to stress, poor sleep, and reduced focus.

Calgary’s Traffic Safety team got up and running in March. This came after council voted to created a new bylaw and allocated $1.69 million for enforcement.

The Traffic Safety Team helps provide additional resources to keep traffic safety a top priority in Calgary, the city says. Peace officers work in collaboration with Mobility Services, the Calgary Police Service, the Calgary Parking Authority, and other agencies to enhance and support traffic safety management.