HUMBOLDT — Free noise level testing clinics are being offered by the City of Humboldt to give people a chance to see if their vehicle is over the limit set by the noise bylaw.
The noise bylaw passed during August’s council meeting, sets a 96 decibel limit on light vehicles. The bylaw replaced the former policy, passed in 1985, which judged violations based on personal perception rather than a measurable form of sound.
Clinics will take place at the Humboldt Uniplex on Sept. 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., being conducted by the city’s bylaw officer, Justin Tarrant. In addition, residents will have the chance to ask any questions they have regarding the new bylaw to Tarrant.
Each test is estimated to take about five minutes.
Mike Kwasnica, Humboldt’s director of protective services, said this will give residents an opportunity to check their vehicle prior to getting a ticket.
“So if you have a vehicle that you think might be on the borderline of loud, we’re giving you an opportunity to come down and test your vehicle for free,” Kwasnica said. “Nobody really knows what 96 decibels sounds like, now is the chance to see.”
Those whose vehicles fail the test will be given an opportunity to get their car repaired without getting ticketed.
“If it’s slightly above you can just go get it adjusted and maybe add a muffler or something to it just to bring the noise level down a little bit and give you an opportunity to fix it before handing out tickets.”
To review the bylaw, residents may go to the city's website (warning: pdf).
