Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services is inviting vehicle owners to participate in two public open house demonstrations of the Noise Snare to be held prior to deployment of the mobile device on Calgary streets. The Noise Snare is a photo radar like device but instead of taking a picture of an offending vehicle for speeding, the device will catch motorists with excessively loud vehicles (anything over 96dB).

On Saturday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 30, members of the public can find out just how loud their vehicles are by cruising the City of Calgary emergency vehicle training track in their cars, trucks, SUVS, minivans and motorcycles. The test track is right by Elliston Park where Globalfest is held each year and is right behind the Calgary Fire Department Training Academy.

The excessive vehicle noise provision was added to the Calgary Traffic Bylaw last year and sets the limit at 96 decibels. At that level and beyond, a $200 fine can be assessed. This is equivalent to the sound of a power saw from one metre away.

The Noise Snare will be deployed as of May 31 but no tickets will be issued during the first month of operation, instead Bylaw officers will issue warnings and educate the public about excessive vehicle noise. It will be interesting to see how they would “educate” the owner of a Porsche GT3RS that drives by the noise snare as the exhaust on that car would exceed the 96dB limit right off the showroom floor. If you own one, please bring it down to one of the open houses! ;)

WHEN: Saturday, May 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday, May 30, 4 to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Emergency Vehicle Training Track behind the Fire Department Training Academy, 5811 - 23 Ave. S.E.

NOTE: Both events are weather dependent.
Link: Related car forum discussion thread