State lawmakers have passed legislation that aims to take souped-up vehicles off the streets (Unsplash)
June 22, 2021 By Ryan Songalia
State lawmakers have taken a big step to rid the streets of souped-up vehicles that have been keeping residents awake at night.
A bill, called the Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution (SLEEP) Act, passed both the Assembly and senate on June 10 and awaits the signature of the governor to become law.
The legislation would ban the installation and sale of devices that aim to make cars and motorbikes louder. Violators would be subject to a $1,000 fine.
In addition, drivers and motorcyclists found to be have a noise enhancing device would be subject to a $500 fine.
Vehicles that have noise enhancing devices would also not be allowed to pass state inspection.
Repair shops will also be penalized under the bill. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles will be required to deny or revoke shop licenses to business caught selling the noise-enhancing devices more than three times over an 18 month period.
“People are tired of the noise of soup-up cars,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “They are tired of the endless battle for sleep.”
The passage of the bill comes as Queens residents have complained about noise stemming from drag racing that has been taking place late at night.
The bill was co-sponsored in the state senate by Joseph Addabbo and John Liu, both from Queens.
