Cameras that can automatically sense when a vehicle's exhaust system or stereo system have reached the level of annoyance ― in this case 80 decibels ― are the newest technology in a growing arsenal of automated enforcement options available to police departments in Connecticut.
New legislation to address noise pollution that was passed by the state legislature this year and went into effect July 1 gives police departments the option of using the automated listening devices to detect when a vehicle reaches 80 decibels ― the level of a blender or vacuum ― and send a ticket to a vehicle's owner. Following a written warning, fines range form $100 to 250 for repeat offenders.
These "photo noise violation monitoring devices" have decibel monitors that trigger a camera to photograph the license plate of a vehicle. New York City started installing the cameras last year with fines that range from $800 to $2,500.
The new technology doesn't appear to be coming to eastern Connecticut anytime soon, according to representatives of police departments from around the region, but the door is now open.
A bill allowing use of the cameras was introduced by state Rep. Bobby Gibson, D-Bloomfield, but ended up being passed as part of a bonding package. Those that testified in favor of the bill highlighted the increased use of obnoxiously loud aftermarket mufflers and a surge in street takeovers.
But there are some who are skeptical of the technology.
Jay Beeber, executive director of the National Motorist Association, said the legislation is problematic.
"Do we really want to live in a society where everything is monitored?" Beeber said. "We have problems with how much we are moving to a automated society to a point where we are completely surveilled."
Beeber said loud mufflers may be annoying, but he predicts that the people of lesser means will be most impacted.
"Even if the technology was wrong and someone has a defense, you'll still have to jump through a bunch of hoops to get the thing dismissed," he said.
He said he is concerned the technology is not well tested and the state is pushing a technology that is not yet well vetted.
"My understanding is the intention is to go after modified mufflers that make these loud noises, but it's the other people, someone with an older vehicle without the means to buy a new muffler, who will be penalized," Beeber said.
As with other technology, Beeber said this will end up being a "revenue generating scheme."
"I guarantee there will be a backlash," he said.
The legislation requires that municipalities adopt an ordinance for use of the cameras and a citation hearing procedure before handing out tickets. Unlike red light cameras, however, the towns and cities do not need any further state approval on the whereabouts or reason for the installation of the cameras. Use of red light and speed cameras was approved by the legislature in 2023.
In addition to an ordinance, Groton Town Police Chief L.J. Fusaro said a requirement before pursuing this type of enforcement would include the purchase of specialized equipment and training.
"The desire to undertake that effort would be on our Town Council, but from a practical enforcement standpoint we are not prepared to undertake that in the near future," he said.
And while the Groton Town police department fielded 112 noise complaints over the last year, most appear to be associated with loud music, neighbor issues, loud people or fireworks. Similarly, Waterford handled 101 noise complaints in the past year of which, just four were related to vehicles. Chief Marc Balestracci said he is not considering use of the cameras at this time.
Norwich Police Capt. John Perry said he's heard of aftermarket exhaust systems that can rise to ridiculous levels, he'd prefer to see officers out in the community addressing the issue rather than automated tickets being handed out.
"Technology is great and making our jobs easier. But we have bigger issues, such as speeding or distracted driving," Perry said. "Discretion is a large part of policing and not everyone deserves a ticket."
New London Police Chief Brian Wright said the department fielded a whopping 530 noise complaints last year, though its unclear how many were associated with vehicles.
"As with any new technology, diligence must be exercised to evaluate and assess the practicality of its implementation," he said of noise cameras.
Wright said some of the considerations are cost and the capability, to the extent possible, of limiting the devices to photographing only the license plates of vehicles instead of vehicle occupants.
Municipalities, according to the legislation, "shall make efforts to randomize the location of the devices."
"Excessive noise from vehicles is concerning and a quality of life issue for many communities across the state," Wright said. "We actively make efforts to address 'noise pollution' concerns by responding to complaints and initiating appropriate measures when possible.".
State Rep. Devin Carney, R-Lyme, was one of the skeptics of the bill and voted against the legislation while at the committee level.
"I had concerns from a privacy perspective and was concerned we're going too much in the direction of cameras everywhere performing enforcement," Carney said. "That does worry me. I understand the problem with noise, but adding more cameras kind of rubs me the wrong way."
Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, said just how valuable the cameras would be depends on where you live. She suspects the cameras will be sought in urban areas where there is a larger concentration of residences.
"It wouldn't be valuable in Sprague, for instance, but maybe it would be in Norwich," Osten said.
Osten said there is more of a push in the western Connecticut towns, where they are creating ordinances to limit use of gasoline-powered landscape equipment in exchange for electric tools to cut down on noise.
While she was serving as first selectwoman in Sprague, Osten said the town adopted a noise ordinance and bought a decibel meter, but found the problems had originated with the back up beeps from delivery trucks.
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