Zac Quinn 
Picture this: you decide to move (or maybe already live) next to one of the most iconic automotive destinations in the world. Home to a once-a-year event that draws over 1 million visitors for an automotive event that melts all tastes, cultures, income brackets, and loyalties. That same location is otherwise the centerpoint of a thriving automotive scene in the state of Michigan, arguably rivaled only by California. We’re of course talking about Woodward Avenue. M1. The first road in America paved with concrete, stretching 27 miles from Detroit to Pontiac. Because of the very nature of Woodward Avenue, it can at times be loud, rowdy, and crowded. And, as Oakland County becomes increasingly more liberal (based on election results), residents in the vicinity of M1 are making noise, about all the noise.
According to Click On Detroit, Michigan, State Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) introduced House Bill 5696 last week, targeting vehicles that create excessive noise, and aims to amend existing legistlation. Price states the bill particularly focused on vehicles driving along Woodward Avenue, where the issue is more common than in other areas.
The new Michigan vehicle noise bill ensures police officers have the authority to stop vehicles that make a lot of noise and increases the penalties for related infractions. First-time offenders could be charged $500, with $1,000 for subsequent infractions. Adding to this, law enforcement would be allowed to impound or tow vehicles of repeat offenders. Decibel levels mentioned in the bill max out at 90 dB, which is concurrent with the old ruling, though does add language that includes: “A person shall not operate a vehicle on a highway or street if the vehicle’s exhaust system is equipped with a cutout, bypass, amplifier, or a similar device.”
Sounds like the aim of this bill is to ban aftermarket exhausts.
First-time offenders of the law would receive some level of grace if they can demonstrate compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act before their ticketed court date. Woodward Avenue’s straight stretch of road is favored by individuals with modified vehicles to swiftly accelerate down the stretch of road. This has been the case for decades; however, with some modifications that give the exhaust the famous popcorn effect, some have confused the sound as gunshots. This has “eroded quality of life for residents and businesses” in the area, which is why this bill has been proposed.
Well, if they think the cars are loud, just wait until they hear about these things called motorcycles.
Most people who purchase a sports car or muscle car do so with the knowledge that the vehicle has a pretty exquisite exhaust note, which is part of the joy of owning an ICE vehicle. There are several aftermarket options to get more noise from the exhaust, either giving the cars the popcorn effect, making them louder and quieter, or having a different tone that is more enjoyable for the owner and enthusiast onlookers.
Perhaps some sort of fair exchange can be made. For every one complaining, sell your home to a Woodward enjoyer, and seek tranquility in a zip code where its more reasonable to expect the quiet.
