14.540 Light Motor Noise Control.

(1) Definitions.

(a) Terminology. All terminology used in this section, not defined below, shall be in conformance with applicable publications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or its successor body.

A-weighted sound level means the sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.

Light Motor Vehicle. For the purpose of this section, light motor vehicle shall mean any automobile, van, motorcycle, motor driven cycle, motor scooter or truck with gross vehicular weight of less than 8,000 pounds.

Noise means any sound generated from the operation of a light motor vehicle.

Noise level shall refer to the A-weighted sound level produced by a light motor vehicle.

Person means any individual, association, partnership, or corporation, and includes any officer, employee, department, agency or instrumentality of a state or any political subdivision of a state.

Sound level meter means an instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averager, output meter and weighing networks used to measure sound pressure levels. The instrument shall comply with the standards for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters as specified in American National Standards Institute Standard ANSI W1.4-1 971 or its successor.

Sound pressure level means 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the RMS sound pressure to the reference pressure of 20 micropascals. The sound pressure level is expressed in decibels.

(2) Light Motor Vehicle Noise Limit. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause noise levels from the operation of a light motor vehicle in excess of 80 dBA at a distance of 15 feet or more from such vehicle in any area within the corporate limits of Manitowoc. Measurements shall be made on pedestrian walkways or on other suitable locations at a point not closer than 15 feet to the vehicle in accordance with procedures outlined in the Code of Recommended Practices on file with the City Clerk.

(3) Signaling Devices. It shall not be unlawful for any person to operate any horn or other audible signal device on any motor vehicle in an emergency or when required by law.

(4) Severability. If any provision of this section is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalidated by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this section shall not be invalidated.

(5) Penalty. Every person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than $15.00 nor more than $100.00.

[Prior code § 14.313]