'Sleep Act' would boost fines to crack down on noisy vehicles

A new bill known as the Sleep Act is making its way through the state Legislature and if passed, it might make you think twice before you zip around with a loud car muffler or engine.

After hearing it for himself, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes is pushing for peace and quiet. The Sleep Act would beef up fines from $150 to $1,000, to crack down on loud mufflers and exhaust systems.

It aims to combat noise that some residents feel is wreaking havoc across the five boroughs.

“We want to hit them where it hurts, which is their wallets and maybe they will think twice about putting a jet engine on their Mazda,” said Sen. Gounardes.

The bill would also call for police cruisers, equipped with decibel readers, to register if a muffler or engine too loud zips past, how loud it is and where the sound is coming from.

“They are breaking the law, doing this for no productive value and it has to stop,” said Sen. Gounardes.

Sen. Gounardes tells News 12 he expects the Sleep Act bill to be “over the finish line” in a few weeks. He's hoping it brings a good night's sleep for New Yorkers.