Florida Regulations 15B-13.001: Operation of Soundmaking Devices in Motor Vehicles
Current as of: 2022 |
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(1) The purpose of this rule is to set forth the definition of the term “plainly audible” and establish standards regarding how sound should be measured by law enforcement personnel who enforce Florida Statutes § 316.3045
(2) “Plainly Audible” shall mean any sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical or electronic soundmaking device, or instrument, from within the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle, including sound produced by a portable soundmaking device, that can be clearly heard outside the vehicle by a person using his normal hearing faculties, at a distance of 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle.
(3) Any law enforcement personnel who hears a sound that is plainly audible, as defined herein, shall be entitled to measure the sound according to the following standards:
(a) The primary means of detection shall be by means of the officer’s ordinary auditory senses, so long as the officer’s hearing is not enhanced by any mechanical device, such as a microphone or hearing aid.
(b) The officer must have a direct line of sight and hearing, to the motor vehicle producing the sound so that he can readily identify the offending motor vehicle and the distance involved.
(c) The officer need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist producing the sound. The detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.
(d) The motor vehicle from which the sound is produced must be located upon (stopped, standing or moving) any street or highway as defined by Florida Statutes § 316.002(53) Parking lots and driveways are included when any part thereof is open to the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
(4) The standards set forth in subsection (3) above shall also apply to the detection of sound that is louder than necessary for the convenient hearing of persons inside the motor vehicle in areas adjoining churches, schools, or hospitals.
Rulemaking Authority 316.3045 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 316.3045. History—New 12-25-90, Amended 11-21-06.
(2) “Plainly Audible” shall mean any sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical or electronic soundmaking device, or instrument, from within the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle, including sound produced by a portable soundmaking device, that can be clearly heard outside the vehicle by a person using his normal hearing faculties, at a distance of 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle.
(3) Any law enforcement personnel who hears a sound that is plainly audible, as defined herein, shall be entitled to measure the sound according to the following standards:
(a) The primary means of detection shall be by means of the officer’s ordinary auditory senses, so long as the officer’s hearing is not enhanced by any mechanical device, such as a microphone or hearing aid.
(b) The officer must have a direct line of sight and hearing, to the motor vehicle producing the sound so that he can readily identify the offending motor vehicle and the distance involved.
(c) The officer need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist producing the sound. The detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.
(d) The motor vehicle from which the sound is produced must be located upon (stopped, standing or moving) any street or highway as defined by Florida Statutes § 316.002(53) Parking lots and driveways are included when any part thereof is open to the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
(4) The standards set forth in subsection (3) above shall also apply to the detection of sound that is louder than necessary for the convenient hearing of persons inside the motor vehicle in areas adjoining churches, schools, or hospitals.
Rulemaking Authority 316.3045 FS. Law Implemented Florida Statutes § 316.3045. History—New 12-25-90, Amended 11-21-06.