Thursday, September 16, 1999
Mason tightens car-stereo law
Noise heard within 50 feet is an offense
BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — Motorists who crank up the volume on their car stereos during the day might have to cough up over $100 in fines.
City Council recently beefed up the noise ordinance in response to complaints from residents about loud music in their neighborhoods during the day. The amended law, which was approved 4-3 on Monday, is intended to make it easier for police to curb loud car stereos.
Before the change, city codes prohibited loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that disturbs others within the city between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. But police and some residents thought that wasn't enough.
“The loud music disturbs me just as much at three o'clock as it does at 11 o'clock or midnight,” said Lou Eves, a resident and former mayor, who claimed he often can hear the racket while sitting in his closed-up home with the TV on. “I, for one, am glad to see this ordinance passed.”
Councilman John McCurley added: “I've actually stopped at traffic signals before and had the volume from the radio in the car next to me actually vibrate my car.”
The amended law prohibits motorists from emanating any noise from a motor vehicle plainly audible at 50 feet and eliminates the time restriction for such infractions. The lawful use of a horn is not considered a violation, according to the ordinance.
While violation of the law will remain a minor misdemeanor punishable by fines over $100, it will now register under the traffic section of the city's code rather than the criminal section. Mason Police Sgt. Paul Lindenschmidt said this will enable police to ticket juveniles for the offense without going through extra procedures.
“It gives us a little more flexibility in enforcing the law,” said Sgt. Lindenschmidt.
But it is that “flexibility” that concerns some council members.
Councilman Jim Fox questioned whether 50 feet was a fair enough distance for assessing what is “too loud.”
“Fifty feet is an awfully short distance,” Mr. Fox said. “When the city hosts its outdoor concerts, that music can be heard from two or three miles away, and now we are going to tell people they can't turn up their car radios? I have a bit of concern that this is overregulation on our part.”
Mayor Betty Davis agreed that 50 feet seemed arbitrary. Ms. Davis said she would be more comfortable if the law were based on decibel levels. She also expressed some concern that the law unfairly targeted youths.
Sgt. Lindenschmidt said people ages 16 to 25 tend to be the most frequent violators of the law, but the Mason Police Department doesn't target any specific group. He suggested that officials consider posting signs throughout the city to inform citizens of the law.
“If we posted signs, then maybe people would think twice before cranking up the volume,” Sgt. Lindenschmidt said.
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