THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	642
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291-  Operation of radios or other mechanical or electronic audio devices or instruments in vehicles; exemptions. (a)  It is unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to generate sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical or electronic audio device or instrument within the motor vehicle in areas adjoining churches, schools, or hospitals, so that the sound is:

(1) Plainly audible at a distance of twenty-five feet or more from the motor vehicle; or

(2) Louder than necessary for the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of persons inside the vehicle.

(b)  This section shall not apply to:

(1) Operators of motor vehicles used for law enforcement or emergency purposes; or

(2) Motorists who use a horn or other warning device supplied as part of the motor vehicle's original equipment.

(c)  Whoever violates this section shall be subject to a fined $300.

(d)  As used in this section:

"Motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle, moped, motor scooter, or motorcycle, as those terms are defined in section 291C-1.

"Plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected by a person using unaided hearing faculties."

     SECTION 2.  Section 291-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  Whoever violates this section shall be fined [not more than $100.] $300."

     SECTION 3.  Section 291-24.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  Any violation of this section shall [constitute a violation and shall] be enforceable by police officers.  [The fine for this violation shall be not less than $25 nor more than $250 for each separate offense.] Whoever violates this section shall be fined $300.  Any person who violates [the provisions of] this section may be issued a summons or citation for [such] the violation."

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Motor Vehicle Noise

Description:

Establishes motor vehicle noise standards for noise emanating from a radio, tape player, or other mechanical or electronic sound making device or instrument within a motor vehicle.  Increases the fine for motor vehicle related noise violations.  

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.