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Commission adopts quiet-hour rule changes for pedal and low-speed vehicles after museum sound study
Summary
The commission approved amendments to MTLC rules 6.06 and 7.04 extending operational restrictions tied to noise concerns raised by the Country Music Hall of Fame, which provided a sound-measurement study showing instances above 85 decibels. Pedal tavern operators urged narrower hour restrictions and offered voluntary mitigation steps.
The Transportation Licensing Commission voted to approve amendments to MTLC rules and procedures extending operational restrictions for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and pedal vehicles to address noise impacts near cultural and educational institutions.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum representative Nina Burkhart told commissioners the museum conducted a roughly six-and-a-half-month sound-measurement program and “captured over a thousand instances of sound measurements in excess of 85 decibels,” with most incidents originating more than 50 feet from the museum. She said the museum included charts and security-camera illustrations in the packet submitted to the commission and that the museum’s reaccreditation visit in July made the matter time-sensitive.
Nashville Pedal Tavern co-owner Angie Gleason urged a more targeted approach. Gleason said the company “voluntarily adjusted our routes without being required and stopped operating near the school during school hours Monday through Friday,” and asked that any operational restrictions be tied to the stated business hours of affected institutions so operators could identify impacted businesses and adjust routes accordingly.
What the commission did - Approved proposed changes to MTLC rule 6.06 (low-speed vehicles) and rule 7.04 (pedal vehicles), incorporating the operational-hour restrictions consistent with recently adopted ETV rules. Motions to approve each rule change passed by voice vote.
Context and supporting details - Nina Burkhart said the museum conducts education programs that engage more than 100,000 local students each year and hosts more than 1 million visitors annually; the museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is undergoing reaccreditation in July. - Burkhart acknowledged the sound study could not always distinguish whether the measured noise came from pedal taverns or electric transport vehicles but said photos and security-camera captures at points where readings exceeded 85 dB included both types of vehicles. - Commissioners discussed enforcement challenges for subjective standards such as “clearly audible” and noted the 85 dB / 50-foot measurements the museum provided as more objectively enforceable evidence.
Commission rationale and next steps - Commissioners said the rules align operating hours across ETVs, LSVs and pedal vehicles to reduce late-night noise impact on schools, museums and other sensitive sites. Staff will include public-comment materials and the museum’s packet in the record.
Ending: the commission approved the amendments and closed the public hearings on the proposed changes for LSVs and pedal vehicles.
