Hear them roar — no more

COEUR d’ALENE — Revving engines may go to a soft purr in downtown Coeur d’Alene this summer.

The Coeur d’Alene City Council on Tuesday approved changes to municipal codes that aim to reduce vehicle noise and excessive exhaust.

“We believe the amendments will help address the issues that have been previously identified by council and the public and give the police a little bit more specificity to enforce in the downtown area,” said City Attorney Randy Adams.

The code changes, outlined in detail, spell out what conduct is prohibited and also that police officers can use their judgment to determine if vehicles and motorcycles are too loud, or if modifications have been made that create excessive noise “to a person of reasonable sensitivities.”

“The gist of the ordinance has not changed,” Adams said. “We’re just becoming more explicit” to be sure people understand and to leave no doubt.

It also increases the citation for a first offense to $300 from $100, and makes following citations misdemeanors.

Adams said there have been complaints for years about loud mufflers and revving engines at traffic lights and in traffic, most often on Sherman Avenue, particularly in the summer.

He said state law prohibits excessive or unusual vehicle noise and annoying smoke. It also requires that noise suppression and exhaust systems must be maintained in good working order.

Adams said he worked with city administration, police and prosecutors in preparing the amendments, and reviewed codes in other cities including Boise, Caldwell and Spokane.

Exemptions will be made for antique and classic vehicles in city events, such as Car d'Lane, or on private property.

“We’re only regulating, or attempting to regulate motor vehicles on public streets and on public property,” Adams said.

Stan Johnson, during public comment, said he opposed some of the changes. 

He said they criminalize car enthusiasts for owning a basic car part. He said Coeur d’Alene Cars and Coffee has 1,800 members, "the vast majority with modified cars because that’s what car enthusiasts do. Criminals.”

Johnson said another group, Autosports Northwest, would also be “criminals, a lot of them, under this.”

Johnson said the city’s existing codes already prohibit operating an automobile in a manner to create loud, unnecessary noise that is excessive, disruptive and annoying.

“The issue at hand is not the car part, it’s the conduct,” he said.

John Deus, who lives at Coeur d’Alene North condominiums on Northwest Boulevard, said vehicle noise is a serious issue for residents there.

He requested the city consider installing noise detectors and speed monitoring equipment, and issue citations to violators of city laws.

“Any efforts you can make to limit the noise would be really appreciated,” Deus said.

Councilwoman Christie Wood said she appreciated the specific language of the changes.

“It’s always a good idea to give more details to officers to work with,” she said.

Wood said drivers can always contest citations, and Adams said many will likely get warnings.

“I actually think that you have found a good compromise,” Wood said

Councilman Woody McEvers asked if police had to see or hear the violation, and Adams said they did.

“Not everybody is going to get caught, but hopefully the fear of being caught will help people comply," Adams said.

Councilman Dan Gookin, who voted against the code amendments, said whether to give a citation for noise under the new codes would be subjective.

“I agree we should do something about the noise, it’s all about enforcement," Gookin said. “The problem is, downtown is a canyon, and so you hear the sound three times, which makes it sound a lot louder.”

Gookin said city codes already covered loud vehicles and didn't believe some of the changes were necessary.

“Why do we need to drill down to those details?” he asked.

Wood said police officers use their judgment daily, so the citation being subjective was not an issue.

“All day long we trust them with their judgment,” she said.

Mayor Jim Hammond said Harleys are noisy, even if they aren’t modified. But he also pointed out that when a driver is stopped, trying to get attention by revving their motor, “that’s the irritant, that’s the frustration that people experienced."