Increased Penalties for Unnecessary Noise
Summary
The committee recommended fines of $250, $400, and $800 for repeat revving/tire-squealing offenses within a year, dropping the 'up to' language. With court costs, a first offense totals about $483 and a third about $1,176. The full council makes the final call.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 13
- Last 30 days
- 8
Rising — discussed at 6 meetings since Sep 16, 2026, up from 2 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Affected drivers could pay roughly $483 to $1,176 per citation once court fees are added.
Residents bothered by loud vehicle noise downtown and in neighborhoods get a stronger enforcement tool.
Drivers cited for revving or tire squealing face substantially higher fines than the current $150/$250 schedule.
Mentions & discussions (10)
Common Council — November 4, 2026
The council will consider raising fines for noise violations to $250 for a first offense, $400 for a second, and $800 for a third. Neighbors on the near west side pushed for stronger enforcement at recent committee meetings.
Safety and Licensing Committee — October 28, 2026
The committee recommended fines of $250, $400, and $800 for repeat revving/tire-squealing offenses within a year, dropping the 'up to' language. With court costs, a first offense totals about $483 and a third about $1,176. The full council makes the final call.
Common Council — October 21, 2026
A resolution to raise fines for unnecessary vehicle noise stalled over how high the forfeitures should go — $250/$500 versus the committee's $500/$1,000 — and was sent back to committee. Residents are split between wanting quieter streets and not wanting a speed-trap-style city.
Safety and Licensing Committee — October 14, 2026
Revving engines and tire squealing near College Avenue could now cost up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second, if the council approves. Neighbors testified the noise is constant and deliberate. The police chief supported the amounts as high enough to deter but not so high officers won't write tickets.
Common Council — October 7, 2026
The council asked the state to review penalties for intentionally loud vehicles and driver demerit points. Passed 11-3 over objections that it's symbolic and burdens staff.
Safety and Licensing Committee — September 23, 2026
The city is pushing the state to attach driver demerit points to loud-vehicle violations, and considering much bigger local fines for revving, tire squealing and gravel throwing. The fine increase was sent back for legal rework after concerns about mandatory minimums and court trials.
Common Council — September 16, 2026
Alders submitted three resolutions — asking the state to review loud vehicle noise penalties, increasing local noise penalties, and supporting transparency on state-mandated private school voucher funding. All were sent to committees for study.
Common Council — September 2, 2026
Residents packed public participation to describe motorcycles, revving engines and modified exhausts disrupting quality of life downtown and in neighborhoods. The council ultimately rejected a resolution to fund noise data collection, with most alders arguing enforcement capacity, not data, is the barrier. Mayor Woodford urged the community to keep working on the issue without binary finger-pointing.
Board of Health — August 26, 2026
The board received a public posting of noise variances approved on August 17, 2026. Variances allow certain activities to exceed normal noise limits, which can matter to nearby residents. No action was scheduled.
Safety and Licensing Committee — May 27, 2026
Police say noise complaints are down slightly this year, but some alders keep hearing from frustrated downtown residents whose calls feel ignored. The committee discussed tracking complaint data and steering residents to the department's online reporting form.
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