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Cap City News
Cheyenne, Wyoming Community News Stream.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Cheyenne City Council voted unanimously to pass a new vehicle noise ordinance on second reading at its Monday meeting. The new rules aim to crack down on loud mufflers and excessive smoke, with the goal of creating a quieter community.
The vote followed extensive public discussion, including input from car clubs and residents concerned about how the new law will be enforced, that came after the initial second reading was postponed in late August.
The new ordinance, which now moves to a third and final reading, revises and strengthens existing vehicle noise laws. It establishes a tiered penalty system for repeat offenders and addresses a 2022 City Council priority to reduce speeding and noise.
Under the new rules, all vehicles must have a working muffler or noise-suppressing system and are banned from using devices like “cut-outs” that make them louder. The ordinance also requires vehicles to prevent excessive smoke.
The law will give peace officers the authority to determine if noise is “unreasonable” based on factors such as the time of day, the location and whether the vehicle has a modified exhaust. A first offense comes with a $100 fine, a second offense within a year rises to $250 and a third offense can result in a $500 fine, up to six months in jail or both.
Mayor Patrick Collins confirmed that the possibility of jail time is consistent with state law and is not a new penalty for the city.
During the public hearing, many residents and community members expressed their opinions. Jesse Eblen, from the Cheyenne Cowboys and Cars community, asked for clarification on how police would measure noise. Police Chief Mark Francisco said decibel readings could be taken at any time, adding that the previous 80-decibel limit for moving vehicles was difficult to enforce, which is a reason for updating the ordinance.
Holly Klink suggested the city should enforce existing laws before creating new ones. Stephen Jacobson, who attended the meeting online, was confused about how noise would be measured. Kathy Cigliano wondered why an 80-decibel limit was kept when some had suggested 90 decibels and raised concerns about the impact on young car enthusiasts. Victor Munoz of Specialty Equipment Market Association also advocated for a 95-decibel limit and expressed concern about the new penalties.
Councilors responded, with Councilor Michelle Aldrich saying the ordinance doesn’t create a new decibel limit but rather gives officers more discretion to address “excessive noise.” She said the new law could help car clubs themselves by giving them a way to deal with “bad actors” in their community.
Councilor Ken Esquibel, a motorcycle rider, acknowledged the “loud pipes save lives” argument but emphasized the need for riders to respect neighborhoods. He suggested people making noise should find appropriate places for it, like Happy Jack Road. Councilor Mark Moody attempted to amend the ordinance to remove a clause about officer discretion, but his motion failed.
Councilor Mark Rinne saw a positive trend, saying vehicle noise in Cheyenne had decreased since the discussion began, suggesting the new law was already encouraging self-policing in the community.
The ordinance will return before the council for its third reading at the Sept. 22 meeting.
Managing Editor More by Klark Byrd
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