OFF THE WIRE
http://freepressonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=52&SubSectionID=78&ArticleID=8327 August 20, 2010
Loud Motorcycles Outlawed in Maine 8/19/2010 8:59:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
by Christine Parrish Feature Writer
A state law that went into effect July 12 outlaws excessive motorcycle noise. Motorcycles that are amplified or create "excessive or unusual noise" will be subject to a $137 fine.
Rockland Chief of Police Bruce Boucher said the Rockland Police Department issued warnings for the first month, but now they will be issuing tickets to loud motorcycles.
"It's just like speeding," said Boucher. "If an officer is sitting in a vehicle with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on and can hear a motorcycle three cars ahead, then that's excessive noise."
"If it's loud, yes, they'll get a ticket," he said.
Phil Roberts, the Camden Chief of Police, said his department has issued warnings, but no tickets, this summer. Roberts said the number of noise complaints were down this year compared to last.
Police Chief Steve Drake of the Damariscotta Police Department said he has adopted no special approach to enforcing motorcycle noise limits.
"It would be like a loud muffler on a car," he said. "If we noticed it, we would stop them."
The Belfast Police Department has not issued warnings or tickets and received no complaints of excessive noise at a fund-raiser rally of 100 motorcycles in downtown Belfast last weekend.
Knox County Sheriff Donna Dennison said her department has issued no tickets. The Knox County Sheriff's Office and United Bikers of Maine have teamed up to raise money for the Special Olympics on Sunday, August 29, with a ride from Rockland to Ellsworth and back. Dennison said she expects motorcycles participating in the ride will comply with state noise standards, but motorcycles will not be individually inspected.
"That would be entrapment," she said.
