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Bill

HB 18

Vehicle Laws - Noise Abatement Monitoring Systems Pilot Program - Inspection and Extension

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Palakovich Carr

Maryland authorizes a noise abatement monitoring pilot program to detect and enforce vehicle noise violations using automated systems in municipalities statewide.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 712
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Bill Summary · HB 18

Legislative bill overview

HB 18 establishes a pilot program in Maryland to test noise abatement monitoring systems that detect and document vehicles exceeding noise ordinances. The bill authorizes the inspection of these systems and includes provisions for extending or modifying the pilot program based on results and public feedback.

Why is this important

Excessive vehicle noise is a quality-of-life issue affecting residential areas, particularly from modified exhaust systems and street racing activities. This pilot program provides municipalities with a technological tool to enforce existing noise laws objectively and consistently, rather than relying solely on officer discretion and noise complaints.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and surveillance concerns: Automated monitoring systems capturing vehicle data raise questions about data collection, storage, and potential misuse beyond noise enforcement
  • Accuracy and false positives: Technical reliability of noise detection systems may produce inconsistent results depending on environmental factors, location, and calibration
  • Equity in enforcement: Automated systems could disproportionately target certain neighborhoods or vehicle types if placement and thresholds aren't carefully managed
  • Economic impact on vehicle owners: Enforcement could create citations for car enthusiasts and those with older vehicles prone to noise issues, affecting lower-income residents more heavily
  • Implementation costs: Municipalities must fund system installation and maintenance, which may strain budgets for smaller jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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