Kirkland Tests Noise Cameras To Detect Street Racing

KIRKLAND, WA — Kirkland on Thursday became the first city in Washington to test out automated technology designed to detect noise from street racing and vehicles with illegal modifications. The pilot program will see the "noise cameras" tested at two Kirkland intersections over the next six months.

Both locations were chosen based on concerns expressed by community members, the city said.
During the pilot program, the noise cameras will collect data but Kirkland police officers will not have access to images that could identify drivers. Residents traveling in the area will see signs posted near both intersections that the equipment is in use.

Here's where the noise cameras are being tested:

• Lake Washington Boulevard Northeast and NE 59th St (near Houghton Beach Park)
• Central Way and Sixth Street (Downtown Kirkland)

The data collected will inform a feasibility study to determine how effective the devices are, but no citations will be issued during the trial run. If successful, and changes are approved by the legislature, data from the cameras could be used to issue future citations after officers review the footage.

“Noise caused by illegally modified vehicles continues to be a concern for many in our community,” said Kirkland Councilmember Jon Pascal. “Participating in this innovative study is the first step towards helping the City better address the concerns we’ve heard from our community members over the years. The pilot will also help inform the State Legislature to determine whether state law should be changed to allow local agencies the ability to use this technology to enforce noise laws.”

A full report on the program is due by the end of June.

Learn more about the street racing noise pilot program on the city's website.