Montgomery County to install 'noise cameras' to detect loud cars and fine their drivers

A pilot program will bring "noise cameras" to Montgomery County roads after the Montgomery County Council approved it in a vote Tuesday.

The automated sound monitors are meant to enforce existing Maryland state laws on how loud a car's exhaust can be.

Under the law, cars are not supposed to exceed 80 decibels. The cameras are designed to capture video of any car detected at 85 decibels or louder, per a council release. Some cars can reach that sound level due to illegally altered mufflers and exhaust systems.

"Excessive vehicular noise from modified or defective mufflers is more than a mere annoyance. It has become a serious quality of life and safety issue on the roads of Wheaton, Forest Glen, Glenmont, Aspen Hill, Rockville and beyond," said District 6 Council member Natali Fani-Gonzalez, a Democrat.

During the pilot program, which was enabled by recent Maryland state legislation, drivers who are caught by the cameras would be issued a warning for a first offense and a fine no greater than $75 for subsequent offenses.

The money would go to the costs of installing the cameras and to pedestrian safety programs, according to a county staff report.

The Montgomery County Police Department will install three of the cameras in separate locations across the county.

Once the locations are determined, MCPD is required to publicize them on the county website and put up signs near them. Fines cannot be issued until at least 15 days after the signs go up.

The program is set to sunset on June 30, 2026.