Silence the Horns NYC

New York City is finally catching up with cities around the world that have been looking at how different kinds of noise cameras can be incorporated within plans for reducing vehicle noise.

But New York City's noise camera programs so far seem focused only on one type of vehicle noise: modified mufflers. NYC leadership is also planning to locate noise cameras mainly in neighborhoods with high rates of NYC311 noise complaints, which may not capture the voices of New Yorkers who prefer not to use 311 - because their 311 submissions were not successful, or because they prefer not to engage with law enforcement.

We hope to engage with decision makers so that the voices of all New Yorkers can be heard, and so that our city doesn't miss an opportunity to address all of its vehicle noise problems.



Chronic aggressive driving behavior is bad for New Yorkers' health - and sleep!



Silence the Horns NYC asks lawmakers to take responsibility for ensuring that noise ordinance Local Law No. 113 can live up to its promise and fulfill its potential by taking the following actions:

  • Create an action plan that includes signage, education, noise camera trials, and code enforcement
  • Address non-emergency horn honking as a regular part of vehicle regulation enforcement
  • Include noise camera technology that includes some focus on horn honking
  • Return "No Honking" signage and educate all drivers about penalties for violating noise regulations
  • Ensure that noise regulations are included in material taught in driving schools
  • Introduce sound education within New York City's public health discourse so that all New Yorkers understand their rights and responsibilities related to noise
  • Ensure that material is framed as important to health rather than a matter of "annoyance"
  • Move away from complaint-based reporting of noise violations by enhancing 311 data with data from neighborhoods where residents rarely use 311 - suggested sources of data include a well publicized citywide call for comments, citywide soundwalks, and data from local meetings such as NYPD community council and Build the Block meetings, community board meetings, town halls, and listening sessions.