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Noise protection in the Odenwald: Police stop two loud vehicles!
In the Odenwald district, two vehicles were seized because of noise pollution. The police checked illegal modifications and violations of noise limits.
Noise protection in the Odenwald: Police stop two loud vehicles!
In Erbach, a picturesque town in the Odenwald district, a current inspection is causing a stir. Officials from the traffic inspection of the South Hesse Police Headquarters have taken two vehicles out of traffic that attracted attention due to an unacceptable volume. A measure that could make some drivers think twice.
On Wednesday, October 18th, law enforcement officers noticed a 31-year-old driver of a Golf GTI. During the inspection it turned out that the vehicle was equipped with an impermissible exhaust system in combination with a racing catalytic converter. This not only makes driving more fun, but also causes annoyance: the Golf exceeded the permissible stationary noise level by a whopping 11 dB(A). A clear sign that not everything is going well here.
Violations also apply to a light motorcycle
Another incident occurred on Tuesday, October 17th. A 16-year-old from Erbach was stopped on a light motorcycle. Here, too, there was reason for complaint: the check showed a noise increase of 9 dB(A) above the permissible stationary noise value. The reason? An unauthorized manifold from the motorsport sector that was installed on the vehicle. Both cases make it clear that not only the drivers, but also the vehicles themselves have to be put in their place when it comes to noise.
Why are such noise cases important? Noise limits are not just a pious wish, but rather legally binding requirements that apply to all motor vehicles. According to Swiss road traffic law, cars and motorcycles must comply with these limits in order to be registered for road traffic. These requirements are also valid in Europe as part of bilateral agreements and are intended to make vehicles louder and more environmentally friendly.
Rules for responsible driving
The regulations are aimed not only at reducing noise, but also at responsible vehicle use. Driving practices that cause unnecessary noise pollution are prohibited. This includes high speeds when idling, driving in low gears and starting off at rapid speeds, such as ASTRA explained. Continued driving in residential areas is also considered problematic and drivers who repeatedly cause noise may be held responsible. These regulations are supported by regular inspections by the cantonal authorities in order to remove completely illegal vehicle conversions that produce a higher level of noise from circulation.
There are also numerous measures that come into play as part of the noise and vibration occupational health and safety regulations if the lower trigger values are exceeded. This includes a noise reduction program and the identification of noise areas. Drivers and owners should always be aware that they are not only responsible for their vehicles, but also for the noise emissions in their surroundings.
Whether driving cars or motorcycles, there is a certain level of responsibility on every driver's shoulders to follow applicable regulations and avoid noise pollution. In any case, this is a good deal for anyone who wants to live in a low-noise environment.