A growing number of U.S. cities and towns are deploying “noise cameras” to combat excessively loud vehicles, a problem that has sparked complaints from residents for years.
The devices work much like speed cameras but measure sound levels instead of speed. Equipped with microphones and cameras, they automatically record vehicles that exceed legal noise limits, capturing license plates and issuing citations to the registered owners.
New York City launched its pilot program in 2021 and has since expanded it after recording thousands of violations. Similar efforts are underway in Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., where officials say the technology could reduce chronic noise pollution. Studies have linked excessive urban noise to stress, sleep disruption, high blood pressure, and other health risks…