Police and environmental authorities have noisy cars in their crosshairs.
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has teamed up with Victoria Police to enforce laws for loud vehicles.
The EPA conducted exhaust noise emission tests at Altona Police Station, with six of the nine cars checked issued with infringement notices costing $908.70 each.
Drivers that voluntarily presented for noise tests on the day also had their vehicles checked for any defects by police.
Drivers can receive a Vehicle Testing Notice (VTN) from the EPA, which requires their vehicle to be presented for testing at an approved facility in order to gain a Certificate of Compliance.
Those who ignore the VTN and fail to have their car checked can be hit with a $1090 fine. If the matter reaches court, fines for individuals exceed $5000.
“By ensuring regular servicing is done on your vehicle, it can help assist in keeping exhaust system components working as they should,” EPA’s Jason Cassar said at the event.
“For example, mufflers and [the like], because over time they do wear and the noise level will increase.”
According to the authority, anyone can report a loud vehicle to Victoria Police, who then advise the EPA. However, under the rules, police officers must witness the car driving before it is reported.
Between October 2021 and April 2022, the EPA has issued 3335 VTNs to Victorian drivers, though it hasn’t disclosed how many of those notices resulted in a fine for excessive vehicle noise.
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