[Adopted 10-12-1993 by Ord. No. 519, approved
10-12-1993]
As used in this article, the following
terms shall have the meanings indicated:
LOUD or PLAINLY AUDIBLE
Any sound produced by a sound amplification system from within
the vehicle which can be heard at a distance of 25 feet or more from
the location of the vehicle. Measurement standards shall be by the
auditory senses, based upon direct line of sight. Words or phrases
need not be discernible and bass reverberations are included. The
motor vehicle may be stopped, standing, parked or moving on a street,
highway, alley, parking lot or driveway.
MOTOR VEHICLE
The term also includes motorcycles and all vehicles which
must be licensed or registered under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle
Code.
SOUND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM
Any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker
or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound.
No person operating, occupying or otherwise
in physical possession or control of a motor vehicle on a street,
highway, alley, parking lot or driveway shall operate or permit the
operation of any sound amplification system from within the vehicle
so that the sound is so loud or otherwise plainly audible at a distance
of 25 or more feet from the location of the vehicle.
It is an affirmative defense to a charge that
the operation of the sound amplification system was being used for
any of the following which may apply:
A. The system was being operated to request medical or
vehicular assistance or to warn of a hazardous road condition;
B. The vehicle was an emergency or public safety vehicle;
C. The vehicle was owned and operated by the Borough
of Bridgeport or a gas, electric, communications or refuse company,
and the sound amplification system was being used in connection with
official business;
D. The system was used for the purpose of giving instructions,
directions, talks, addresses, lectures or transmitting music to any
persons or assemblages of persons in compliance with ordinances of
the Borough of Bridgeport; or
E. The vehicle was used in authorized public activities,
such as parades, fireworks, sports events, musical productions and
other activities which have the prior approval of the Borough.
Any person, individual, partnership, corporation
or association who violates any of the provisions of this article,
upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50
nor more than $300 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or
by both fine and imprisonment. Each day any violation hereof is found
to exist or continues to exist shall be a separate offense and punishable
as such hereunder.