DEARBORN, Mich. – Dearborn police are stepping up patrols in response to a spike in complaints about loud, modified exhaust systems — and residents say the noise has gotten bad enough to keep them up at night.
Downtown West Dearborn is an area police have identified as a hotspot for the problem.
“I hear it from my bed when I’m sleeping, or trying to sleep,” said Chris McCardell, a Dearborn resident.
Police Chief Issa Shahin says the department is deploying specially trained officers to monitor noise levels.
“What we’re really doing is being responsive to our community,” Shahin said.
Officers are using sound measurement devices to document violations on the spot.
“I’m holding a sound measurement device, so we have officers that are especially trained to keep the sound measurement readings,” Shahin said.
Drivers caught with illegal exhaust modifications could face fines starting between $100 and $200 — with penalties that increase for repeat offenders.
“It’s not your stock vehicle. We’re talking about those who have their exhaust modified, they’ve had their catalytic converters removed,” Shahin said.
The enforcement effort goes beyond noisy exhaust. Officers will also be watching for window tint violations, loud music and drivers who run red lights.
For residents like McCardell, the crackdown is long overdue.
“Oh, I’m 100 percent for it. Dearborn is a family-friendly neighborhood, and it needs to stay safe and family-friendly,” he said.
Police say the increased patrols are in addition to their regular daily patrol routes, and downtown West Dearborn is just one of several areas officers plan to monitor.