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A growing number of U.S. cities and towns are deploying “noise cameras” to combat excessively loud vehicles, a problem that has sparked complaints from residents for years.
The devices work much like speed cameras but measure sound levels instead of speed. Equipped with microphones and cameras, they automatically record vehicles that exceed legal noise limits, capturing license plates and issuing citations to the registered owners.
New York City launched its pilot program in 2021 and has since expanded it after recording thousands of violations. Similar efforts are underway in Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., where officials say the technology could reduce chronic noise pollution. Studies have linked excessive urban noise to stress, sleep disruption, high blood pressure, and other health risks.
Supporters of the cameras argue they bring fairness and consistency to enforcement. Traditionally, noise violations required police officers to be present, often leading to few citations despite frequent complaints. “This technology allows us to enforce the law without diverting officer time,” one New York City official said.
Not everyone is on board. Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns about potential surveillance overreach, while some drivers question whether microphones can accurately distinguish between vehicles in crowded traffic. Motorcycle groups, in particular, have criticized the programs, stating that noise levels vary widely and enforcement risks unfair targeting.
Despite the criticism, pressure from residents continues to mount. In many neighborhoods, late-night street racing and modified exhaust systems have become quality-of-life issues, fueling demand for stricter enforcement.
As urban populations continue to grow and complaints increase, experts anticipate that more cities will explore noise cameras as a means to restore peace. Whether they become as common as speed cameras may depend on how well they balance enforcement, fairness, and privacy concerns.
One company, SoundVue, that supplies noise cameras to cities and towns, uses AI to identify the loudest vehicle or truck (tracked with a red dot in the picture below) when many are present.
https://soundvue.com/Mayor Tom French had this to say "There is definitely a need for noise enforcement and it is why I added language to LFP's noise ordinance to this effect to include vehicles in 2019. Regretfully, state statutes do not allow this use of traffic enforcement cameras. Kirkland did a pilot program with the State's approval in 2023 I believe, and Seattle tried the technology on Alki, but the legislature never provided the authority to enforce vehicular noise enforcement through cameras."
