Noisy vehicles

Changes in the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004

There is now a new road code rule that has come into effect as of February 27, 2006, when addressing noisy vehicles. This change occurred because previous regulations only covered the actual noise the vehicle was creating but not the other means of creating noise in or on a vehicle, such as stereos or loudspeakers. This rule is enforced by the Police and not the council.

Under the rule, it is an offence to operate equipment in or on a vehicle in such a way that creates excessive noise. This covers noisy stereos and external speakers as well as revving engines noisily.

The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Equipment 2004 (The Vehicle Equipment Rule) also prohibits exhaust systems being modified so that they are excessively noisy.

If you have concerns about a noisy vehicles please contact the police when:

• It is about a noisy exhaust regardless if the vehicle is on the road or parked on private property
• It is a noisy stereo playing when the vehicle is travelling on the road or is parked in a street or a public area
• It is regarding car engines which are revving in a public or private place.

Useful links

Land Transport website