How loud can you play music when driving?

I was wondering if there was some sort of legal limit on how loud music should be in one’s car? I have stopped next to people whose music is booming and I myself have had music playing very loudly in my car (some music is just better loud). I ask this because when I have had loud music on, it’s pretty obvious that I can’t hear much outside of my car, which can include the sirens of ambulances and police vehicles, as well as other cars honking. Of course, emergency vehicles have flashing lights, but if someone doesn’t notice those or doesn’t hear a honk from another car, it might lead to a bad situation. Is this covered in the law?

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Auntie’s answer: I have on occasion found myself stopped next to a car whose driver is playing music so loud my windows vibrate, so I have wondered the same thing. Often, I am also amazed that anyone would want to be listening to what I barely consider music at any volume, and especially at those ear-shattering decibels, but I suppose that is my issue.

Anyway, the legislation that applies in this case is the Town and Communities Law (1995 Revision), though it is a bit open to individual interpretation. Section 12 refers to anyone who makes a noise in any district which causes an annoyance or discomfort to others, as committing an offence “after having been required by a constable to desist from making such noise”.

An RCIPS spokesperson explained that if a police officer witnesses someone driving with loud music on, “they may decide to stop and speak with that person even though there wasn’t a complaint”. It never hurts to take an opportunity to educate the public. But if the officer decides the situation warrants it, he or she may decide to prosecute, with the witnessing officer being the complainant.

The spokesperson also explained that a driver is expected to be alert and aware of their surroundings, so if that person is involved in an accident and it is determined that loud music was a factor, it may lead to a charge of careless driving or inattention under the Traffic Law, 2011. In addition, depending on the circumstance, the driver could also be charged with a reckless and negligent act.

Considering all that, I would say the best course of action is to keep the music safely down below window-shaking levels.

The laws mentioned above can be found on the CNS Library

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Tags: loud music

Category: Ask Auntie, Traffic Questions