REGINA — Have you heard? There are clear, new rules around what it takes for a vehicle to be deemed too loud for Saskatchewan streets.
Under a new provincial policy, all light vehicles (such as passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, SUVs, and motorcycles) must be quieter than 101.3 decibels.
“This policy introduces an objective standard, so motorists know if their vehicle is louder than what’s reasonable,” said JP Cullen, COO of the Saskatchewan Auto Fund. “It draws a line in the sand for residents, motorists and law enforcement to determine how loud is too loud for vehicles.”
Along with establishing maximum allowable noise levels, SGI has developed a standardized testing procedure. In the coming weeks, SGI will work with SGI-certified light vehicle and motorcycle inspection stations to provide them with equipment and training so they’re ready to test vehicles for noise.
As part of a phased rollout approach, SGI-certified light vehicle and motorcycle inspection stations in Regina and Saskatoon will be the first to have the opportunity to obtain noise testing equipment. Once those stations are equipped, enforcement agencies in those areas will be able to submit a vehicle to a noise test at a qualified station. Next, SGI will work with SGI-certified light vehicle and motorcycle inspection stations elsewhere, and law enforcement across the rest of Saskatchewan, to introduce the policy province-wide.
Vehicle owners in Saskatchewan will also have the opportunity to test out their vehicles – consequence free later this month.
“SGI is hosting free educational days,” said Cullen. “It’s a great opportunity for the public to come out and speak with SGI about the policy and find out what they can expect from law enforcement when it comes to excessively noisy vehicles.”
The noise testing educational events will happen on June 17 in Regina and June 24 in Saskatoon. Vehicle owners can book an appointment for a noise test on either of those days by calling Vehicle Standards and Inspections at 1-800-667-8015 ext.6188 in advance.
For more information on the policy and the education days visit sgi.sk.ca/noise.
