State Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley) testifies on her House Bill 5696 in the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Michigan House Office Building in Lansing.
House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee passed the bill focusing on quieter streets
LANSING, Mich., June 4, 2024 — The House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee passed state Rep. Natalie Price’s (D-Berkley) House Bill 5696 with bipartisan support this morning. The bill cracks down on vehicles intentionally modified to create excessive noise by enabling police officers to stop vehicles for excessive noise and increasing penalties for related infractions.
“Constituents consistently cite noise on Woodward Avenue as a major concern, and we know the issue affects localities across the state. Modified exhausts aren’t just a nuisance but cause real harm, especially for vulnerable community members including young children, seniors, veterans living with PTSD, and folks undergoing at-home healing,” Price said. “The law as currently written doesn’t enable local law enforcement to take action. My bill corrects that. The next step is to continue working diligently with my fellow lawmakers to get the votes needed to pass the bill in the House.”
The bill increases fines and penalties for drivers and technicians who alter a vehicle’s exhaust system to increase noise production and allows law enforcement to impound or tow vehicles of repeat offenders. Grace is extended for first-time offenders, those with vehicles in disrepair, and those who can demonstrate compliance with the Motor Vehicle Act before their ticketed court date. HB 5696 next heads to the Michigan House floor for a vote.
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