CHAT News File Photo

By Brendan Miller

Police increase noisy vehicle enforcement

Apr 3, 2023 | 4:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat Police Service is ramping up enforcement on loud mufflers and noisy vehicles.

Police say every spring they see an increase in sound complaints from vehicles with mechanical issues on modified exhaust systems or drivers accelerating too quickly on city streets.

According to police, it’s an issue across the province and traffic units are targeting noisy motorists between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. However, vehicles making excessive and unnecessary noise at any time of the day can lead to a $162 fine.

Police say their top concern is the safety of all motorists on the road.

“Some of the vehicles don’t have adequate mufflers and that’s the big thing, make sure that your mufflers are up to spec. That they’re working properly and then when you’re operating your motor vehicle, operate it sensibly,” says Staff Sgt. Stacey Fishley.

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“When you go around corners you don’t have to accelerate quickly which is going to cause loud noises and that kind of stuff. If you don’t do any of that there is no reason why the Medicine Hat Police Service will ever have to deal with you,” adds Fishley.

He adds Medicine Hat police do not use sound-level meters when enforcing noisy vehicle complaints.

To report a concern about a noisy vehicle, community members can submit a tip on the MHPS website.