February 6, 2021 | Posted by Rubenstein Law
Many motorcyclists love the sound of their bikes roaring down a Florida highway. Who wouldn’t love that? But there is a limit. To protect your own hearing, be courteous to others, and stay within Florida’s legal boundaries, you must observe certain motorcycle noise limits.
But how can you know if your motorcycle is too loud and avoid a ticket? Read on for answers. And for help with many other questions about motorcycles in Florida, check out Rubenstein Law’s Motorcycle Resources Guide.
Rubenstein Law is a resource for Florida’s motorcycle community. If you have any questions or need help with a claim, call us at 800-FL-LEGAL/800-355-3425.
Protect Your Hearing
It may be fun to be that loud bike blasting down the highway, but according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) any sound at or above 85 dBA is likely to damage your hearing over time. Researchers have found that people who are exposed over long periods of time to noise levels at 85 dBA or higher are at a much greater risk for hearing loss. Sounds at or below 70 dBA are generally considered safe.
Motorcycle Noise Limits in Florida
The Florida motorcycle noise limit is not something police estimate when they hear you drive by State law spells out the exact noise limits for motorcycles.
Sound is measured in units called decibels. This is the measurement the state of Florida uses to describe motorcycle noise limits. So how loud is too loud?
For motorcycles made up through 1978:
- 82 decibels under 35 miles per hour
- 86 decibels over 35 miles per hour
For motorcycles made in 1979 or later:
- 78 decibels under 35 miles per hour
- 82 decibels over 35 miles per hour
With such clear noise limit rules, how are there so many loud motorcycles on the road? Many people modify or remove their mufflers to increase noise. This is against Florida law, as is riding a bike with no exhaust system at all.
Some bikers don’t realize that their bike has grown too loud. That’s because Florida doesn’t require periodic vehicle inspections that would catch a noise violation.
How Much Does a Motorcycle Noise Ticket Cost?
If your motorcycle is louder than the limits described above, you can get a ticket. This can come from a police officer hearing your vehicle and thinking it is too loud or a noise complaint filed against you. Getting a ticket for a vehicle noise violation in Florida is a “noncriminal traffic infraction.”
Noise violations are grouped under a category of traffic tickets called nonmoving traffic violations. If you get one of these tickets, you will have to pay $30 and as much as $22.50 in administrative fees.
Keep in mind that the costs for a motorcycle noise ticket are solely focused on that one violation. If you are pulled over and cited, the officer could notice any number of other violations and tack them on to the final ticket price. That’s not to mention the insurance costs. Insurers can see any ticket you receive and won’t hesitate to raise your insurance costs.
Will a Motorcycle Noise Ticket Affect My License?
If you are worried about your driver’s license points after getting a noise violation ticket in Florida, there is good news. This offense adds no points to your license.
That is good news because having too many points on your license can lead to a license suspension. But at least with noise tickets, you don’t have to worry about a license suspension.
Exercise Good Manners
The motorcycle community in Florida is tight-knit. We look out for each other and try to be respectful. So, no matter how much you love the sound of your bike, it’s best to keep it within acceptable noise limits.
Motorcyclists also face stereotypes as reckless drivers who rev their engines to get a rise out of other motorists. We don’t have to add to that stereotype by having a bike that is far too loud. Exercising good manners as a motorcyclist is always a good idea.
If you are concerned about the amount of noise your motorcycle is making, you can get it inspected. A motorcycle professional can let you know if your bike is breaking Florida’s noise rules.
Get Your Florida Motorcycle Questions Answered
Rubenstein Law works hard every day to be a valuable resource for Florida riders. While we focus on representing motorcyclists who have been injured in accidents, we provide a range of resources and support for all riders.
For help with your Florida motorcycle questions, browse our website, call us at 800-FL-LEGAL, or contact us online.
