The rise of electric vehicles has brought about a new era of quiet car rides, but for some enthusiasts, the lack of engine noise can be a downside. To cater to this group of drivers, manufacturers like Dodge have started incorporating artificial engine noises in their EVs, such as the Dodge Charger Daytona.
However, one Charger Daytona EV driver named Mike found himself in a peculiar situation when he was pulled over by Minnesota authorities for having a loud exhaust sound in his electric vehicle. In a video shared on Instagram, Mike showcased the encounter with the police officer who issued him multiple citations, including a “public nuisance” ticket for the noise emitted by his car.
Despite Mike’s claims that the sound was actually from another vehicle and that his car’s Auto Mode was engaged to conserve battery power, he was still issued the citations. The list of offenses on the ticket included “Loud Muffler Exhaust,” “Front And Rear License Plates Required,” and “Public Nuisance / Annoy / Injure / Endanger Safety.”
Interestingly, some Charger Daytonas were actually recalled for being too quiet and failing to meet minimum pedestrian noise requirements. This discrepancy highlights the challenges of balancing the desire for engine sounds in electric vehicles while also ensuring safety for pedestrians.
In Mike’s case, he has yet to pay the ticket or attend court due to difficulties in locating the relevant information. However, some users have pointed out that he may have a strong argument in his favor, as his car technically does not have an exhaust system to produce loud noises.
Overall, the incident raises questions about the legality of artificial engine noises in electric vehicles and the enforcement of noise pollution laws. While some drivers may enjoy the vroom of a traditional car, it’s essential to consider the implications of noise pollution and safety in the transition to electric vehicles.