I know I am guilty of this a lot, especially because I love my music loud. There are many things that we never really know are legal or not, which is why it is awesome that we can ask state troopers what the legal laws and guidelines are when it comes to driving.

A Minnesota resident recently asked a question to Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol and here’s what they had to say:

Question:

My question stems from all the vehicles that have loud music playing. I can hear them coming from blocks away. When they drive by my house the windows actually rattle. Is there a state law or ordinance against these boom boxes on wheels?

Sgt. Troy Christianson’s Answer:

Minnesota does not have a state law prohibiting loud music inside a vehicle, but many cities do have ordinances prohibiting noise levels. A common ordinance states music cannot be heard from a vehicle at a distance of 25 ft or more from the path of the vehicle when operated on a public street or sidewalk or in a public park or other public places.

 

Photo by Alexandre Boucher on Unsplash
Photo by Alexandre Boucher on Unsplash
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Christianson also explains that “it is important for the driver to be alert and aware of everything that is going on around them. Listening to very loud music while driving may block out an emergency vehicle’s siren or another vehicle’s horn, possibly causing a crash or reducing the response time for an emergency vehicle.” He continues to share that emergency vehicles are equipped with lights and sirens in an effort to warn others when responding to an emergency. The ability to hear a siren and see emergency lights will enable the driver to safely pull over and yield to approaching emergency vehicles.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention, and always drive sober. So, with that, it is not illegal, however, you really shouldn’t. so, with that, I am definitely going to be more cautious with my music volume, whoops!

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us).

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