The bill amends Section 31-45-5 of the General Laws regarding noise limits for motor vehicles, specifically addressing the operation of radios, stereos, and audio systems. It establishes that it is unlawful for any motor vehicle to produce sound exceeding specified limits, with exceptions for police cars, ambulances, and fire engines. Local municipalities are granted the authority to issue temporary exemptions through special permits. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions allowing law enforcement officers to impound sound-producing devices used in noise violations, provided the owner of the device is the person charged with the violation.

The new legal language includes several key insertions: municipalities can authorize impoundment of sound devices at the time of citation, and a post-impoundment hearing must be held within 14 days. The ordinance may also allow for the impoundment of a vehicle for up to five working days if the sound device cannot be easily removed. Furthermore, municipalities can recover costs associated with the impoundment and must return the device upon resolution of the citation and payment of fines. If a device or vehicle remains unclaimed for 90 days after the violation hearing, the municipality may dispose of it. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1148: 31-45-5