New Sarasota Noise Ordinance Targeting Car Stereos Begins April 1

Drivers who like to crank the radio up could find themselves in trouble starting Monday, when a new city noise ordinance targeting "unreasonable sound" coming from motor vehicles goes into effect.

The measure is aimed at cutting down on noise from car radios and sound systems or other electronic or portable sound-making devices within city limits.

The ordinance states that unreasonable sound that is plainly auidble from 50 feet away or more during certain hours of the night and day will be in violation. 

RELATED: Sarasota Exploring Law To Cite Loud Music Blaring From Cars

The ordinance will be in effect between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings, and between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. Friday nights through Sunday mornings, according to a news release from the Sarasota Police Department.

According to the release, "violators will be issued a verbal warning to turn the sound down and will have one minute to do so; if the sound is lowered or turned off there is no penalty, but the warning may be recorded.  

"If the violator does not comply with the verbal warning, a Citation is issued immediately. A second violation is immediately issued a Citation and third or subsequent offenses may result in an arrest."

Police will beginning to enforce the ordinance starting midnight Monday, April 1. 

A signboard will be placed in high traffic volume areas to educate the public of the new ordinance, starting with one in the 1700 block of North Washington Boulevard, officials said.

What do you think of the new sound ordinance? Sound off in the comments section below.

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