Delaware News Journal
DOVER, Del. Delaware senators voted this week to mute
so-called "boom cars" by approving a bill that would
fine motorists with loud stereo systems. The bill by Senate
Minority Leader John C. Still III was approved in the upper
chamber on a 20-1 vote and now goes to the House.
If approved, people whose stereos can be heard or whose thumping
bass can be felt up to 50 feet from their cars would face
fines of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for
subsequent offenses.
Exempted from the bill are loudspeakers on commercial vehicles,
such as ice cream trucks, or vehicles taking part in a parade.
Still, R-Dover North, said the bill was needed to augment
similar local noise ordinances around the state and prevent
what has become an increasing public nuisance.
Sen. Colin Bonini, R-Dover South, was the only no vote in
the Senate. Bonini said he opposed the bill because lawmakers
shouldn't try to regulate irritating behavior.
"Now we're saying we can arrest people for boorish behavior,"
Bonini said. "I think it sets a bad precedent."