[Adopted 10-9-1995 by Ord. No. 101]
The Board of Supervisors has determined that
the use of loud sound amplification systems in motor vehicles is a
safety hazard because the operator may not hear emergency vehicles
or warning signals or other traffic sounds, and such a use of the
system may distract a driver's attention. In addition, the use of
loud sound amplification systems in motor vehicles is a safety hazard
because operators of other nearby vehicles may not hear emergency
vehicles or warning signals or may be distracted by loud noises coming
from such systems. Therefore, 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 in the vehicle so that
the sound is audible at a distance of 75 feet or more from the location
of the vehicle.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
Any sound, including bass reverberations whether or not words
are discernible, capable of being heard by the unaided human ear at
the stated distance.
Any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker
or other electronic device or combinations thereof used for the amplification
of sound.
This article shall not apply to the following
sound amplification systems:
A.
A system operated to request medical or vehicular
assistance or to warn of a hazardous road condition;
B.
A system in an emergency or public safety vehicle,
or used in connection therewith;
C.
A system in a vehicle owned and operated by the Township
of North Coventry or a gas, electric, communications, or refuse company,
where the sound amplification system is being used in connection with
official business;
D.
A system used for the purpose of giving instructions,
directions, talks, addresses, lectures, or transmitting music to any
person or assembly of persons in compliance with ordinances of the
Township;
E.
A system used in authorized public activities, such
as parades, fireworks, sports events, musical productions, and other
activities which have prior approval of the Township;
F.
A vehicle theft alarm system.
Any person who violates or permits a violation
of this article shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil
enforcement proceeding commenced by the Township before a Magisterial
District Judge, pay a fine of not more than $600, plus all court costs,
including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by the Township in
the enforcement of this article. No judgment shall be imposed until
the date of the determination of the violation by the Magisterial
District Judge. If the defendant neither pays nor timely appeals the
judgment, the Township may enforce the judgment pursuant to the applicable
Rules of Civil Procedure. Each day a violation exists shall constitute
a separate offense. Further, the appropriate officers or agents of
the Township are hereby authorized to seek equitable relief, including
injunction, to enforce compliance herewith.
