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Council defers motor-vehicle noise ordinance revision for one meeting amid enforcement questions
Summary
A bill to amend motor-vehicle noise rules in residential zones was deferred one meeting after members requested further clarification from codes staff and the police department on enforcement and definitions.
The council deferred one meeting a bill that would amend Section 9.20.20 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws governing motor-vehicle noise in residential zoning districts.
Council members asked staff to clarify how the code would treat electric vehicles and to confirm the practical enforcement approach with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD). One council member said earlier discussions with Chief Drake indicated noise and speed enforcement “is not a priority” for MNPD, and members requested MNPD propose an enforcement plan. The sponsor said MNPD requested changing a distance limitation from 75 feet to 200 feet in the ordinance language.
A motion to defer the bill one meeting carried by voice vote as recorded: 7 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 not voting.
No formal amendments were adopted at the meeting. Council members noted staff follow-up items: confirm whether the draft language treats electric vehicles differently, quantify recent enforcement activity (one member cited 20 "muffler" tickets issued in 2025), and coordinate with MNPD on enforcement priorities and a plan for implementation.
The item will return to the council at the next scheduled Government Operations & Regulations meeting for further consideration.
