Ask Mr. Answer Person: "Does the City of Decorah's noise ordinance apply to motorcycles and pickup trucks?"

Barb e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "We have noticed that there are noise ordinance signs as you enter Decorah.  Do these ordinances apply to motorcycles and pickup trucks?  How are noise levels determined by the police?  Are violators ticketed?"

Mr. Answer Person replies: You have asked a simple question, but the answer isn't always simple.

First of all, there is a noise ordinance in the City of Decorah and it applies to any source of noise, including motorcycles and pickup trucks.

But the complexity comes in with the next two questions you have asked.  The City of Decorah at one time borrowed a noise meter from Camcar, but returned the equipment after experimenting with it--and has not bought its own equipment.  That means it's up to individual police officers to determine what is violating the city's noise ordinance.

Some citations have been given out for loud noises.  But police say a situation like the one you describe is more likely to result in the issuance of a citation for loud exhausts or another mechanical problems involving a car, truck or motorcycle.

Finally, violations are probably most likely to result in a warning from police officers to get a problem fixed in the next 30 days, NOT the issuing of a ticket.  That's because a violation would cost over $100 and police want to give motorists a chance first to stop making loud noises.