Several weeks ago, we told you that Connecticut is trying to make $200 motorcycle training courses a requirement for getting a motorcycle license. Now, the state's neighbor to the north, New Hampshire, is also looking to make some interesting legal moves. Namely, certain towns are trying to get laws passed that would limit how much noise motorcycles are allowed to make. Sorry, Harley.
Legislators tried to pass a similar regulation earlier this year at the state level, but it failed. Now, citizens are trying to come up with new ways to put high-level noise bans into place, and the only way they can do it is on a city-by-city basis.
"It disturbs the beach, and people come down here for peace and quiet, and you're hearing all those noisy motorcycles," said Chris, one resident who supports the proposed ordinance. "Especially late at night, going up and down the strip, you can hear them," said Ellen, another resident in favor of the ordinance. "I live only a mile from here. It scares the kids, scares the dogs."
Some people aren't on board, however. Many people are saying that the ordinance is too unfair, since it tends to target bikes like Harleys. Plus, it leaves loud, souped-up cars entirely unaddressed. "We have young kids on the beach who have souped-up cars that make a lot more noise than a motorcycle, so now you're going to have to restrict everyone if you do that," said Beth Woods, an opponent of the ordinance. "I think we should give them their freedom and let them be who they are, because it's a biker community," said John Stenson, who is also against the ordinance.
As of right now, it's not even known if eacy city's police force will have the time and resources to enforce the ordinance if it passes. "If it passes tonight, the chief of police will probably go to the county attorney's office to ask for a written opinion whether or not the town can enforce it," said Town Administrator Steve Fournier. "And if it's not enforceable, then the police would not be enforcing the ordinance."
If the ordinance passes, first-time offenders will be slapped with a fine up to $500. Second- and third-time offenses would bring fines ranging from $500 to $1,000. What do you guys think about these kinds of laws? Should motorcycle noise be restricted and regulated?
