Vehicle noise in the Town of Colonie is regulated through Chapter 135 (Noise Control) plus N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375(31). Chapter 135 bars tire-squealing/spinning, requires every device or vehicle to have a properly functioning muffler, and limits automobile alarms to five minutes after activation. VTL Section 375(31) is the state muffler statute; VTL Section 386 sets motor vehicle decibel limits.
Chapter 135 Section 135-4 (Prohibited Acts) contains the operative local vehicle-noise rules: (a) 'No person shall operate a vehicle in such a manner as to cause unreasonable noise by spinning or squealing the tires of such vehicle.' (b) 'No person shall allow noise from an automobile alarm in excess of five minutes after it has been activated.' (c) The general prohibition against operating 'any device, vehicle, construction equipment or lawn maintenance equipment without a properly functioning muffler in good working order' reaches modified exhaust on cars, motorcycles, and equipment. State law layers on top: N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375(31) requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with an adequate muffler to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and prohibits cutouts, bypasses, or similar devices. Section 386 of the VTL sets maximum sound levels for vehicles by type and speed (commonly enforced at 80-86 dBA depending on category, measured at 50 feet). The Colonie Police Department (518-783-2744) is the primary enforcer of Chapter 135. New York State Police Troop G covers the Northway (I-87) and Albany Shaker Road corridors. PennDOT-style annual safety inspections are administered through DMV-licensed New York State inspection stations under 15 NYCRR Part 79; a defective muffler causes inspection failure.
Chapter 135 Section 135-7 first conviction $50 to $250 or up to 7 days; second $100 to $250 or up to 10 days; third or subsequent at least $250 and up to 15 days. VTL Section 375(31) violations are infractions punishable under VTL Section 1800 - up to $150 plus surcharges for a first offense, escalating with prior offenses. VTL Section 386 vehicle-decibel violations carry fines up to $150 (first offense) and a separately recorded conviction on the driver's record.
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