LEWISTON – The Lewiston Police Department announced Monday that it intends to crack down on the growing seasonal problem of noise pollution.

Loud music and motorcycles are blamed for shaking windows and waking people in the night, and even “deafening your ears,” according to police.

Chief William Welch said that police “believe this is a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed.”

Drivers who play music at a volume that is audible at a distance of 25 feet or greater and that exceeds 85 decibels may expect to receive a summons, according to the release. Motorcycle riders should ensure that their mufflers prevent “excessive or unusual noise.” It is also illegal to rev the engine so as to cause excess noise even if the exhaust system is legal, the chief said.

The noise rules correspond to city noise ordinances and state laws. Lewiston Police have been receiving increasing summer noise complaints for several years, said police Lt. Don Mailhot.

Penalties for violating the noise rules range from $50 to $150.


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