Senate Transportation hears S.66 to limit road noise; bill sets decibel thresholds, inspection rules and citizen reporting portal

Senate Transportation Committee Chair Rich Westman convened the committee in Montpelier to receive testimony on S.66, a bill to curb road and vehicle noise by setting numerical sound limits, tightening inspection requirements and creating a citizen reporting system.

The bill matters because proponents and health experts told the committee that repeated vehicle noise harms health and disproportionately affects lower-income Vermonters who live near busy roads. Senator White, sponsor of S.66, said, "noise pollution is a public health crisis," and urged the committee to create a clearer enforcement path for residents who have had "no path for redress."

S.66 is divided into sections that together address passenger vehicles and light trucks, motorcycles, inspection rules, engine compression brakes (commonly called "Jake" brakes), civil penalties and a citizen reporting portal on the Agency of Transportation website. Under the bill, the proposed sound limits for motor vehicles and light combinations (gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less) are 72 dB(A) measured at 50 feet at or below 35 mph and 80 dB(A) at speeds greater than 35 mph. Heavier vehicles would…