The Guardian (Charlottetown)

CRACKING DOWN ON NOISE

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RCMP plans to ticket owners of motorcycle­s that are too loud

Motorcycle drivers who have altered their exhaust pipes to enhance the volume of their engine noise will be stopped and ticketed, says the P.E.I. RCMP.

Islanders from across the province have voiced concern to police over loud exhaust systems on motorcycle­s and are looking to law enforcemen­t and government agencies to curtail the noise on Island roadways and residentia­l areas.

Motorcycle­s arrive from the factory with federally mandated noise control systems, put in place to ensure excessive noise is not an issue. But owners will often change out the exhaust systems resulting in noise levels that are uncomforta­ble for most and sometimes overwhelmi­ngly annoying to others.

“It’s unfortunat­e when you hear people speak of motorcycle owners with the assumption that the bikes are all loud and disruptive,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Crowther, district commander for Queens District RCMP.

“As is often the case, a few bad examples can tarnish the reputation of many. But, for those who have chosen to change the pipes on their bikes, they should understand, if you break the law by creating a noise disturbanc­e, you will be ticketed.”

Harley-Davidson and many motorcycle associatio­ns, such as the American Motorcycle Associatio­n, have opposed loud pipes and have recommende­d that factory installed pipes or pipes emitting similar noise levels should be the norm.

The RCMP says there are more motorcycle enthusiast­s now than ever on Island roads, and most are law-abiding and safe drivers. Drivers who choose to disturb those around them with excessive noise are tarnishing the image of responsibl­e drivers.

Section 128 of the Highway Traffic Act specifical­ly stipulates all vehicles must be equipped with a working muffler and prohibits any changes that would result in excessive or unusual noise.

RCMP officers and provincial government highway safety and enforcemen­t officers will be out on Island roads combatting illegal noise levels caused by modified automobile and motorcycle exhaust systems. Vehicles found to have altered pipes that cause offensive noise will be stopped and ticketed.

Altered pipes are subject to a summary offence ticket of $275.

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