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Picture this: it’s a sunny day – not too hot, about 22 degrees – and you’re driving down a tree-lined, picturesque street, when an epic song comes on the radio.
You can’t help it, before you know it, the volume is at 11 and you even consider winding the windows down so others can partake in your unbridled joy.
It depends on where you live, but yes, in some states blasting music from your car can cop you a fine.
Only a couple of states and territories have specific laws relating to playing music from your car, while others have broader noise restrictions that could potentially cover the issue.
But what exactly is considered "offensive noise"? The regulation defines it as noise that:
By reason of its level, nature, character or quality, or the time at which it is made, or any other circumstances:
(i) is harmful to (or is likely to be harmful to) a person who is outside the premises from which it is emitted, or
(ii) interferes unreasonably with (or is likely to interfere unreasonably with) the comfort or repose of a person who is outside the premises from which it is emitted, or
(b) That is of a level, nature, character or quality prescribed by the regulations or that is made at a time, or in other circumstances, prescribed by the regulations.
If you are caught by police, you may be issued a $200 fine, which also attracts two demerit points. If you choose to argue the offence in court and are found guilty, the maximum penalty is $5500 for individuals and $11,000 for corporations.
Queensland drivers who play loud music from their car are also potentially liable for a fine. The restriction falls under the government's hooning offences and is classified as "making unnecessary noise".
Police can issue fines of roughly $175, and repeat offenders could have their car impounded for up to 90 days.
Other states' and territories' transport noise restrictions do not specifically mention music, but they all mention motor vehicle noise in general, and music could be interpreted as part of that.
In Victoria, for example, noise standards are part of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021, which state cars that are "capable of emitting noise exceeding the stationary noise level by at least 5dB" are not permitted on the road.
Though again music is not specifically mentioned, Victoria's Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021 also cover vehicle noise, and state:
"A person must not use a vehicle on a highway if the vehicle is creating undue noise."
Though not specific to car stereos, states and territories also regulate residential noise, including music.
Victoria's Environment Protection Regulations, for example, restrict "unreasonable noise" – including sound from stereos and radios – between 10pm and 7am from Sunday night to Friday morning, and between 11pm and 9am from Friday night to Sunday morning. Local councils also regulate noise.
So before you crank the volume in your car, think about whether it could be deemed unreasonable.
