BILL REQ. #:  H-3460.1 

Read first time 01/14/2004.   Referred to Committee on Judiciary.

     AN ACT Relating to reducing nuisance noise from vehicle sound systems; adding new sections to chapter 70.107 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   It is the intent of the legislature to minimize the exposure of citizens to the harmful effects of excessive noise and to control the level of noise in a manner that promotes commerce; the use, value, and enjoyment of property; sleep and repose; and the quality of the environment.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A person shall not cause or allow to be emitted on a public road, park, or other such real property or structure, project, development, or improvement attached to real property sound from a motor vehicle audio sound system, such as a radio, tape player, or compact disc player, at a volume so as to be audible greater than fifty feet from the source without the prior written approval of the appropriate agency having jurisdiction over the road, park, or other such real property.
     A person who is guilty of violating this section is subject on the first offense to a fine of not less than three hundred dollars. On each subsequent violation, the person is subject to twice the amount of fine as on the last infraction.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   One-third of the proceeds from any fine imposed under section 2 of this act shall go to the law enforcement agency issuing the infraction notice, one-third to the prosecuting authority of the jurisdiction in which the infraction occurred, and one-third to the court of jurisdiction over the matter.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   The provisions of sections 2 and 3 of this act are cumulative and nonexclusive, and shall not affect any other claim, cause of action or remedy; nor, unless specifically provided, shall this section be deemed to repeal, amend, or modify any law, ordinance, or regulation relating to noise, but shall be deemed additional to existing legislation and common law on noise.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   Sections 2 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 70.107 RCW.