Windsor police to crack down on 'unnecessary vehicular noise' in spring campaign
If you like engine revving, loud music and squealing tires, you could be landing yourself a ticket.
That’s the message Wednesday from the Windsor Police Service as it launches the 2024 Anti-Noise Campaign.
Over the next four month period, police will be watching and listening closely.
“Our officers are going to be clamping down on people who use their vehicles in the manner that they're not intended to be used,” said Const. Bianca Jackson, who added they will be listening for other “unnecessary noises,” such as unnecessary vehicle revving.
“Usually in the warmer months is when we see that these offences happen. So our officers are going to be more so targeting those offences,” Jackson said.
Last year’s blitz was eventful, with officers issuing 2,865 citations for speeding, 77 citations for stunt driving and 58 citations for other noise-related infractions.
“Excessive vehicular noise can distract other motorists and disturb nearby residents and pedestrians,” said Insp. Jennifer Crosby, who oversees the Windsor Police Traffic Enforcement Unit. “Through this campaign, we want to encourage drivers to be safer and more considerate of others in the community.”
But according to some, big sound can be lifesaving.
“Sound is one of those things that most people recognize first, and if you don't see me, you're gonna hear me,” said Barry Coish, a motorcyclist. “Once you hear me then hopefully you'll look around and recognize where I'm at.”
An aftermarket muffler on a vehicle in Pembroke, Ont. OPP say they will be cracking down on excessive noise until Sept. 1. (Dylan Dyson/CTV News Ottawa)Barry Coish has been riding for 30 years and said he sometimes cracks his throttle to warn drivers he’s around.
“You know what, I'll take the ticket because I want to make sure I'm safe and I want to make sure people can hear me and then see me,” he explained.
The same goes for Chris Cooper.
“In the end, I'd rather have a ticket than be dead,” said Cooper, who said he makes his presence on the road felt because he sees lots of drivers distracted behind the wheel.
“We have close calls all the time. And it can be scary sometimes that we ride, so having some louder pipes, bright lights, things like that gets us noticed,” Cooper said.
The city’s by-law defines noise as unnecessary sound and is prohibited in residential areas.
“Officers will enforce existing Windsor and Amherstburg by-laws regarding sound emissions. They can also lay similar charges under the Highway Traffic Act unnecessary noise regulation,” reads a release from Windsor police.
But Windsor police said they will use their discretion.
“Our officers are going to be out there looking for people who are unnecessarily intending to cause noise in a situation that's not needed. We're not trying to target people who are trying to stay safe,” said Jackson.
Police ask the public to use common sense and be a good neighbour and road user, or risk getting busted.
“We hope that these numbers go down, that the work that we're doing is letting people know that we are out there trying to enforce these laws,” said Jackson.
To file a noise complaint, you can use the Windsor Police Service’s online reporting system at or call the non-emergency line at 519-258-6111.
The initiative runs until Sept. 2, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadians feel grocery inflation getting worse, two in five boycotting Loblaw: poll
Almost two-thirds of Canadians feel that inflation at the grocery store is getting worse, a new poll suggests, even as food inflation has been steadily cooling.
NEW How to remove ticks and what to know about these bloodsuckers
Ticks are parasitic bloodsuckers, capable of spreading deadly disease, and they’re becoming increasingly common. Here’s what you need to know about them.
opinion Joe Biden uses bully pulpit to bully Donald Trump on debates
Donald Trump had spent weeks needling U.S. President Joe Biden for his refusal to commit to a debate. But Washington political columnist Eric Ham describes how in one fell swoop, Biden ingeniously stole the issue from the Trump campaign and made it his own.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball, offered tickets and custom baseball card
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.