This summer, Portland police plan to crack down on excessive motorcycle noise, the city announced Thursday.

Residents regularly complain about loud motorcycles that can often be heard inside homes with the windows closed, according to Jessica Grondin, the city’s communications director.

Motorcycles are required to display inspection stickers on their license plates. To receive a sticker, a motorcycle’s exhaust system must fall within noise limits.

Grondin said that motorcycles lacking inspection stickers will be pulled over and cited. Riders are also being asked not to make unnecessary noise by revving their engines or accelerating, she said.

“Whether they are shoppers, restaurant patrons enjoying a meal on an outdoor patio, or residents in their homes or backyards, everyone should be able to enjoy their day without the unnecessary roar of loud engines and exhaust,” Grondin said.

Acting Police Chief Vern Malloch said that the subject of motorcycle noise often comes up at neighborhood meetings.

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Malloch said police increased enforcement of noise levels last year, but he was unable to immediately provide data on the number of citations issued.

In most cases, Malloch said, officers can easily tell whether a muffler is legal by looking at it or listening to it, regardless of whether the motorcycle has a current inspection sticker.

“We’re asking for voluntary compliance,” Malloch said. “This is something we view as a quality of life issue for a lot of residents.”

The city is also asking all drivers to be alert for and share the road with motorcycles and bicyclists.

Randy Billings can be contacted at 791-6346 or at:

rbillings@pressherald.com

Twitter: @randybillings


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