http://www.hannibal.net/stories/051806/happenings_20060518036.shtml

  Web posted May 18, 2006

Police increasing enforcement of noise violations

  By BEV DARR

Of the Courier-Post     Motorists who choose to play their stereos louder than permitted by city ordinance will soon find themselves being ticketed more often than usual - and paying fines of up to $130 for a first offense.

  Capt. Lyndell Davis of the Hannibal Police Department announced Wednesday, the police are increasing their enforcement of noise violations throughout Hannibal.

      The Hannibal City Code, Section 16-159, on unnecessary noise, prohibits anyone using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated any radio or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the persons who are in the room, vehicle, or chamber in which such machine or device is operated.       Davis reported that anyone found guilty of violating this unnecessary noise ordinance could face a fine of up to $130. "We see this as a quality of life issue," Davis said. "There needs to be a balance between the rights of people to enjoy their stereo system and those who find it annoying and interfering with their peace and comfort.       "Complaints of loud vehicle stereos are common in almost every area of the community," Davis added. "A combined effort of citizens filing

complaints on those violating the ordinance and increased attention by the officers on the matter should result in improvement."   

  Davis hopes people will cooperate by complying with the law or reporting violators. He explained that, "the demands on the officers for other services and limited staffing requires a team effort with the citizens for us to be most effective."