How loud is too loud? SGI coming up with vehicle noise standard

A plan is in works to deal with what SGI called “excessively loud vehicles” in Saskatchewan.

SGI announced Wednesday that people in Saskatchewan will soon have an idea as to just how noisy a vehicle would have to be for it to be considered too loud.

The Crown insurance company said it would be crafting a provincial policy that could identify what constitutes “excessively loud noise.”

“Right now, determining whether a vehicle is excessively loud is up to the discretion of law enforcement which can make it difficult to enforce because the criteria is subjective,” JP Cullen, the chief operating officer of the Saskatchewan Auto Fund, said in a media release.

“This policy will remove all guesswork by introducing an objective way to measure whether or not a vehicle is creating excessive noise.”

The release said loud cars distract and annoy people, including other drivers.

“Having objective criteria will allow vehicle owners to know whether their vehicle is excessively loud so they can make the necessary changes to bring it into compliance,” the release said.

“Over the next few months, SGI will be working to finalize the standard of how to better identify excessive vehicle noise. That work will involve completing any required Request For Proposal processes, working with our partners, and finalizing the policy and implementation plan.”

The policy is expected to be enacted in late spring or early summer.

SGI said it will host free education days once the policy kicks in. At those events, drivers will be allowed to test their vehicles without consequence in accordance with the policy.

SGI said more information is to come once the policy is completed.