International Falls police officers have issued a few citations to owners of vehicles determined to have exhaust noise louder than allowed under state law.
Cpt. Tom Lynch said vehicle owners with a first violation will be cited, but given a period of time to get the vehicle into compliance. Once in compliance, the citation will be dismissed, he said.
“We’re handling it like a fix-it ticket,” he said.
The officers are using a decibel meter designed to measure the level of noise from a vehicle exhaust.
Lynch said most modifications to the standard exhausts of vehicles are too loud and will violate state laws. Lynch said exhaust modifications known as glass packs are likely illegal.
He urged anyone with questions about whether their vehicle complies with state laws on noise to either stop in at the Koochiching County Law Enforcement Center during the day or to call at 283-4416. If officers are available, they will use the meter to determine whether the vehicle is in compliance.
The crack down on loud vehicles is a result of citizen complaints.
“We’ve had a lot of complaints and it’s time to educate the public about this,” he said.
