Birmingham Looks To Quiet Down Woodward Avenue: Report

BIRMINGHAM, MI — Birmingham city officials called on state lawmakers to update the state's motor vehicle code, so officers can quiet down noisy vehicles on Woodward Avenue, according to a report from the Oakland Press, citing a news release.

Along with the Woodward Dream Cruise, Woodward Avenue is a notoriously known cruising spot in the metro Detroit area throughout the spring and summer months. However, residents in the area voiced concerns to city leaders about the noise coming from Woodward Avenue.

But city officials reiterated under the state's current motor vehicle code, they cannot enforce local noise ordinances on public roadways.

"The police department cannot enforce local noise ordinances on public roadways because local ordinances cannot supersede the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code," Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence said in a news release. "The Michigan Motor Vehicle Code controls all laws pertaining to public roadways."

The Birmingham Police Department said it reached out to the state’s Attorney General’s Office to find a possible solution to help officials battle the noise coming from Woodward Avenue. City officials said they proposed increasing officer units from nearby departments along the roadway to help enforce noise restrictions.

However, officials said they did not receive a response from the state that clarified the issue, but continue to work with state officials to find a way to allow officers to be able to enforce noise violations.

Officials also encouraged residents to reach out to local lawmakers and urge them to clarify language in the motor vehicle code so officials can quiet down Woodward Avenue.