Are you one of those people who enjoy listening to music on the way home, on the way to work, or while driving down the road? Well, those days ended this past July with the new law that Florida has stipulated – a new law that gives cops the authority to ticket Florida drivers for ‘rhythmic bass’ from their stereo.
“It’s no secret that drivers in the area like to play their music loudly,” said Capt. Wilson Munoz with the Kissimmee Police Department.
But What Are The Specifications Of This Law?
- The law prohibits playing music or any audio in your car that can be heard at least 25 feet away or further.
- The law prohibits music or audio from being louder than necessary in areas where respect must be observed, such as hospitals, churches, private residences, schools, etc.
- Playing music too loud will cost drivers around $114 or $116.
- The new law also mentions loud exhaust systems and vehicle mufflers that rattle when the engine is revved up.
People’s Response
At first, they were just warning calls. The police tried to inform and educate the drivers about this new rule, but they were giving the benefit of the doubt since they did not inform many people about the new laws, once this educational campaign was over starting July 1st, the real tickets would begin.
The streets have been much quieter since then, but apparently, people are not thrilled about this. As in everything, there are two sides. For many, this law produces positive change for the comfort, safety, and well-being of Floridians.
But for many others, they say that is an excuse to pull you over for other reasons. Others say that it violates their freedom, while others are just angry because they say that they take that law to carry out drug checks or vehicle retention.
What To Expect
Besides the specifications of this law, there is also the introduction of “special event zones.” Special event zones are now identified by warning signs on roadways, streets, or highways. A designated area includes parking structures, parking lots, and any public or private property adjacent to them. As a result of its provisions, the new law empowers officers to designate a “special event zone” in response to a special event that occurs on a roadway, street, or highway within their jurisdiction.
By designating such an area, HB 1435 allows law enforcement agencies to post warning signs at “every point of entry and exit” including double all fines for the area, and impounded vehicles for traffic violations. The signs must be posted 24 hours before enforcement can be in effect. Impounded vehicles may be held for up to 72 hours, in addition to the doubled fines.
Attorney Russell Spatz has over four decades of experience in traffic violation laws and can investigate your case, answer questions you may have, and file the motions on your behalf.
To meet with Attorney Russell Spatz to discuss your criminal matter, please call the Spatz Law Firm, PL, at 305-442-0200.
References
(July 4, 2022). Law enforcement agencies enforcing Florida’s new loud music law. Retrieved September 15, 2022, form https://www.wesh.com/article/books-by-hispanic-authors/41172235
(June 26, 2022). New law renews power of police to ticket Florida drivers for “rhythmic bass” sound from stereo | Cerabino. Retrieved September 15, 2022, from https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/columns/2022/06/26/florida-law-targets-loud-music-cars-social-media-promoted-parties/7709303001/