Under the Chicago code, a person playing a car stereo that is audible from a distance of 75 feet can have his vehicle seized, be fined up to $500, and charged an additional $115 in towing and storage fees incurred when the vehicle is impounded. Further, Chicago mobile electronics retailers report that many cars have been vandalized while in storage or waiting to be towed.

Joining a broad coalition of vehicle owners, local retailers, and mobile electronics industry leaders who supported the amendment, CEMA cited shrinking revenues, closed stores, and job cuts as unwelcome consequences of the code's current enforcement provisions.

"Since its enactment, Chicago's noise ordinance has produced an average net business loss of 33% for local retailers, and contributed to the closing of at least five mobile electronics businesses," says Gary Klein, CEMA vice president for government and legal affairs. "While CEMA supports Chicago's efforts to control loud music emanating from vehicles, we strongly believe the current punishment provisions are too severe... Vehicle seizures should be limited to repeat offenders to avoid further damage to local businesses."

"The subjective nature of sound ordinance enforcement can circumvent the law's intent," added Doug Johnson, CEMA staff director of government and legal affairs. "Given that sound level measuring devices are not used to enforce the code, we believe that issuing a warning or ticket for the first violation of the sound ordinance was a fair compromise. The proposed amendment would have given drivers the opportunity to adjust their perception of excessive volume before having their cars impounded."

Klein said that CEMA and the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of mobile electronics products consistently work to promote the safe use of the products. Many retailers voluntarily promote the legal and courteous use of car audio equipment to customers in their stores.

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