Loud Music Law to Change

We’ve all heard it, ear splitting loud music coming from a car driving down a quite residential street, or maybe from across the parking lot at a public beach.

The current law says music shouldn’t be intrusive beyond 100 feet, but, starting July 1, motorists can be ticketed if you can hear their stereo further than 25 feet away from the car.

It happens all the time, obnoxiously loud music coming from a car. The owners of a lot of vehicles put their money where their ears are just to be heard.

Beginning July 1 a new law says that motorists whose car stereos can be heard further than 25 feet can be ticketed. The fine: $68.50.

Frank Panela of the State Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety says it’s all about safety.

"Right now when these people have their stereos blasting they are not going to be able to hear an ambulance, a fire truck, or a police officer who might be coming up on them very rapidly."

Music buffs, like Stereo Shop owner Luke Hunnewell, contend 25 feet isn’t very far at all. They argue it makes everyone a criminal.

"Twenty five feet is a nice older lady listening to the radio that can’t hear as well so she turns it up, she could easily get a ticket."

Questions remain about enforcement. Even the state says it will be on a case by case basis.

The crackdown on loud music is just one of about a dozen new traffic safety laws that take effect July 1, including a new requirement to use a turn signal changing lanes or passing, the minimum speed on the interstate will go from 45 to 50, and for the first time police can stop a vehicle simply because any occupant under 18 isn’t wearing a seat belt.