WYANDOTTE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — Police in Wyandotte are cracking down on reports of loud vehicles in the community.
CBS News Detroit went with police to get a closer look.
“Speed, drag racing, loud exhaust, just loud vehicles, motorcycles, loud stereos and people ignoring traffic signals,” Chief Archie Hamilton said of the complaints they have received.
Police officers like Cade Barwig have faced multiple arrests since the new focus began.
The initiative started last week and more than 30 tickets, costing almost $200, have already been issued.
“The age range is broad; in fact, I can tell you that the person stopped for using nitrous oxide while driving was 51 years old; I can tell you that the person arrested for driving under the influence – third offense, which is a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan – was 36 years old,” Hamilton said.
While authorities may stop you for a loud outlet, the situation can easily escalate into something more serious.
During our ride someone was stopped because of a loud exhaust. The driver had an arrest warrant due to a previous incident.
“Obviously, if you have outstanding warrants, you’re going to be taken to jail,” Barwig said.
If the driver is released, he will still face the original reason he was stopped.
“He has 14 days to get the ticket to contact the court and arrange a lawsuit in that time,” Barwig said of the driver.
So what is unreasonably loud? CBS News Detroit found there is no set decibel level, but there are restaurants with outdoor seating and homes above businesses. When you can be heard 500 feet away, things become worrying.
“If you go through downtown, the buildings are so close together that the loud exhaust just bounces off the building,” Barwig said.
There is also a broader crackdown on loudly modified vehicles in Lansing. A bill is currently being circulated to ensure that law enforcement authorities have the power to stop vehicles statewide for excessive noise.
Terell Bailey
