Most vehicle exhaust systems installed by the factory do not emit "excessive or unusual noise", therefore any aftermarket or dealer applied system should be comparable in nature if installed on the vehicle. The "excessive or unusual noise" level, from a reasonable standard and perspective, is one of the factors that would be weighed and considered as to whether a vehicle is stopped and/or driver cited. Officers are directed to rely on their training and experience to determine if the exhaust system is in good working order. Specifically, state code calls for exhaust systems to be 1) in good working order, 2) in constant operation to prevent "excessive or unusual levels" of noise, and 3) be a type installed by the factory or of comparable design. The police department is unable to take further action, beyond the issuance of a court summons, for this violation. If the exhaust system is found to be in violation, the officer has discretion to cite the driver however, it should be noted that this does not immediately remedy the noise issue and would be incumbent upon the driver or vehicle owner to make their vehicle compliant and/or potentially pay a fine. Most traffic violations must be witnessed by police and determined to be a violation in order to enforce. The police department’s primary goal for traffic enforcement is focused on those violations that impact the safety of motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians traversing county roadways. While no preference is given to one law over the other, the police department recognizes loud or altered exhausts may pose a nuisance to our community. All traffic laws are enforced by the police department as time and staffing permit. Effective July 1, 2022, as enacted by the Virginia General Assembly, this state law regarding loud or altered exhaust was reverted back to a primary offense, enforceable by police. Virginia law required owners and drivers to operate their vehicles with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise. Note: The complainant of the noise violation may be needed as a witness for any court proceedings. If the responsible party refuses to end the gathering, they may be physically arrested and transported to the magistrate's office.Īdditional violations may be charged depending on the situation. Any participant refusing to comply may be charged with a violation of trespassing or loitering. Officers will standby under the gathering is dispersed. If the responsible party agrees to end the gathering and all participants leave, the responsible party will be released on a summons. A summons may be issued to the responsible party. Typically, a verbal warning for compliance is requested on the first complaint.Ī subsequent complaint will confirm the violation is continuing. Absent an owner or lessee, the officer will identify the responsible party creating the disturbance. Officers responding to noise complaints in neighborhoods will confirm the noise is in violation and attempt to identify the owner or lessee of the property. If you suspect the County’s noise ordinance is being violated, contact the Police Department by calling the non-emergency line at 70. The County Code regulates specific times that certain noise sources can be operated, and defines noise limits.Įvents or actions may be prohibited if they cause a noise disturbance, including continuously barking dogs, noisy construction equipment, horns and signaling devices not being used for danger warnings, radios and TV sets, and engine repair and testing. Violations of Chapter 14 are considered Class 2 Misdemeanors.īecause noise at certain levels can be harmful to the health and welfare of residents, Prince William County prohibits excessive and annoying noise. In order to promote the public health, safety and welfare as well as the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of Prince William County, officers adhere to the provisions of Chapter 14 of the Prince William County Code when determining noise violations and appropriate enforcement action.
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