California Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to sign the pilot program for five years.
The California State Legislature has approved a new bill that automates The Golden State’s enforcement of its law against loud cars from January 2023 through December 2027. Autoweek reports that Senate Bill 1079 would allow sound-activated cameras be used to capture loud cars in six West Coast locations. California Governor Gavin Newsom has yet to sign the new bill as of this writing.
California is well-known for its strict enforcement of road laws, particularly in relation to emission and future electric vehicles.
SB 1079 states that the “sound-activated enforcement” system, which lasts five years, uses cameras equipped with sensors that activate when the noise level exceeds the set limit. The cameras should be capable of “taking a clear picture” of the vehicle’s license plate once they are activated.
Note that the current legal limit for exhaust note in California, 95 decibels for cars and 85 for motorcycles built after 1986, will continue if the bill is signed by the governor. Details on how cameras can identify cars from motorcycles and how they can pinpoint the culprit vehicle among the sea of cars are still not available.
SB 1079 does not specify which roads or cities will see automated enforcement. A spokesperson for California State Senator Anthony Portantino stated that the city government would be responsible for determining which thoroughfares will receive the sound-activated cameras. Autoweek reports.
The new legislation also includes regulations that will protect road users. While signs will be required before anyone enters roads, automated enforcement will not charge first-time offenders with a fine. City governments will be required to create payment plans, deferment options and fine waivers to assist low-income offenders who are temporarily unable to pay.
As of writing, the amount of the penalty for violators has not been determined.
California is not the only state that has an automated camera system for securing noisy vehicles. New York currently enforces a similar system. Violations can result in a $875 fine.