Motor vehicles
Motor city
Motor vehicle noise in the City of Sydney can affect residents. Noise can come from horns, brakes, a refrigerator left running on a parked truck, engine or muffler noise, deliberately revving engines or loud sound systems.
The Police and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) handle most noise complaints about cars and motorcycles. The City can respond to complaints about vehicle alarms, sound systems and vehicle refrigerators.
NSW law requires that:
- noise levels from motor vehicle exhausts must not exceed specified maximum noise levels
- vehicle engines must not be modified so they are louder than when originally manufactured
- noise-control equipment on motor vehicles must not be defective and must be securely in place
- car alarms must not sound for longer than permitted times.
Residents can report vehicles with noisy engines and exhaust systems to the Office of Environment and Heritage on 131 555. You will need to provide the vehicle's registration number, its make, model and colour, and note when and where the incident occurred.
Police and officers of the EPA can require vehicles to be inspected and tested for compliance with noise-control regulations. Police and the EPA also have the power to issue on-the-spot fines to motorists who have illegally modified the noise-reduction equipment on their car or motorcycle.
Police can respond to complaints about deliberately noisy and dangerous driving, illegal sounding of horns and offensive noise from motor vehicle sound systems. To report these problems, contact your local police station or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
The City can respond to complaints about offensive noise from car-intruder alarms or noise from vehicle refrigerators that can be heard indoors. To report excessive noise from alarms or vehicle refrigerators, you can phone the City at any time on 02 9265 9333.
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Last updated: Monday, 29 April 2013