Kirkland testing automated noise-detection devices to combat illegal vehicle noise

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The city of Kirkland and its police department will become the first state to implement a street racing noise pilot program.

The program, which is authorized by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, will test automated vehicle noise identification cameras.

The devices would be “just like school zone cameras,” according to Kirkland police Chief Cherie Harris.

The pilot program will test the reliability and accuracy of the devices. Warnings are allowed, but infractions and tickets are not allowed to be issued during the program.

“The Legislature would need to look at the data in the future and decide whether they want to pass a state law that would allow for automated noise enforcement,” Harris said.

The program will last six months with a follow-up report expected by the end of June 2023.

The devices will be located at two intersections in Kirkland:

• Lake Washington Boulevard Northeast and Northeast 59th Street
• Central Way and Sixth Street

Violations of modified exhaust violations have skyrocketed over the past two years, according to Harris.

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