A bill which would establish penalties for nuisance motor vehicles, commonly referred to as boom cars, cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee today.
The bill, which was first introduced last September, defines a nuisance motor vehicle as a vehicle in which the operation of an internal sound system is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the motor vehicle.
“The love for music is one thing most people share in common, including myself. However, drivers must have regard for the people and communities around them who may be affected by blaring sound systems,” Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester) said in a statement.
“The bill would ensure that neighborhood residents are protected against these roaring vehicles,” she added.
For the first offense, a person is subject to a fine of $250; for a second violation, the fine increases up to $500; and for a third or subsequent violation, a person is subject to a fine of $750 and will be assessed two motor vehicle penalty points.
For years, communities throughout the state, and especially along the Jersey Shore, have been affected by the loud music from “boom parties, which are extremely large gatherings of people, and their cars, often at a beach, where music is blasted from massive speaker systems.
The vibrations from the music affect residents miles away, during weekdays and the weekend, and at all hours of the night
The bill was released from Committee by a vote of 4-0 and now goes to a vote before the full Senate.
Does this law also apply to “Boom Dormitories” at 1 and 2 in the morning?
This doesn’t have to be a partisan issue. Democrat or Republican, I feel it is a quality of life matter. Does it encroach on freedom of expression? Possibly. But, there have been disturbance of the peace laws forever. I have to agree with the Senator on this one.
They should rename this “The Old Fogey” Bill. I would prefer one car temporarily driving past my house at night playing loud music than the 1000s that congest the road during the day.