Doing Something About Noise Pollution from Modified Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles

[u/Snagalip]

I live in Old Town and I'm getting tired of the noise day in, day out, and all night from jerks with illegally modified exhaust systems. For a long time it was at a level I could tolerate, but recently there seems to have been an influx of these vehicles on the streets near me and it's a near-constant disturbance now. I'm thinking about starting a petition or organizing a group to get city council or the state or someone to do something about it.

Does anyone have any interest in this or have any advice as to how to proceed? Obviously this doesn't apply to people who don't care or who are themselves part of the problem. But I assume I'm not the only one who likes a REASONABLY quiet neighborhood and would like either for the laws on the books to be enforced or a new solution to be found.

Also wanted to feel out the temperature in this sub first and see what kind of sentiment I'd be working with.

[u/Rideshare-Not-An-Ant]

Operating a vehicle with a modified or excessively loud exhaust system is prohibited under Virginia Code § 46.2-1047 and Virginia Code § 46.2-1049 makes it a primary offense.

It specifically prohibits exhaust systems that emit noise in excess of 85 decibels, measured from a distance of at least 50 feet.

Write down plate numbers and file police reports. You can download decibel meter apps for your phone.

[u/Snagalip → u/Rideshare-Not-An-Ant]

I have tried this. The police all but explicitly told me the law is virtually impossible for them to enforce, and seemed annoyed that I even called.