Sessions on January 22 and January 29 at the DelDOT Admin. Building in Dover
DOVER, Del. – The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) will hold two public listening sessions on House Bill 35 (H.B. 35) as it develops standards and rules for a motor vehicle noise control program. The first session will occur on January 22 at 1 p.m. at the DelDOT Administrative Building Conference Room (South), 800 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901. The second will be on January 29 at 5 p.m. in the same location. Information is also posted on the Delaware Public Meeting Calendar, along with the session agenda.
Both sessions will permit virtual attendance and participation on Microsoft Teams at the following links:
- January 22 MS Teams Meeting Link Meeting ID: 211 572 916 553 Passcode: zk682jT7
- January 29 MS Teams Meeting Link Meeting ID: 223 310 020 745 Passcode: gA9oP6EE
Public comments will also be accepted for 30 days after the listening sessions. All comments can be emailed to John Petersen at john.petersen@delaware.gov.
H.B. 35 was sponsored by Rep. Kimberly Williams (D-19) and enacted on April 26, 2023. The act amended Title 7 of the Delaware Code and directs DSHS, in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Transportation, to develop a comprehensive motor vehicle noise and abatement program. The agencies will consider developments in technology, relevant state and federal standards, and propose changes as necessary to Delaware law, and also recommend changes in equipment and procedures. DSHS has two outcome goals to fulfill the purpose of House Bill 35:
- Adopt regulations, after public hearing, establishing the standards, test procedures and instrumentation to be utilized in the control of noise from motor vehicles; and
- Adopt regulations, after public hearing, necessary for the inspection of motor vehicles, including noise control and abatement equipment to assure compliance with the noise standards promulgated by the Department.
No recommendations or regulations have yet been proposed, but the law specifically exempts farm vehicles and emergency sirens for firefighters and ambulances. H.B. 35 also does not supersede previous or proposed ordinances or resolutions by any municipal or county governing body. It likewise does not limit a state board or agency from adopting more stringent regulations or standards. However, at such time that standards are formally adopted, the law provides for enforcement and potential fines of “not less than $25 or more than $1,000.”
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security was created by the Delaware General Assembly in June 2003, replacing the former Department of Public Safety. The mission of DSHS is to promote and protect the safety of people and property in Delaware. The Department is comprised of: the Office of the Secretary, the Delaware State Police, the Office of Highway Safety, the Division of Communications, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Capitol Police, the Division of Forensic Science, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission and the State Council for Persons with Disabilities. Each of these agencies has a significant role in supporting the DSHS mission.
Contact: John Petersen, 302-744-2686