 COHVOPS
NOISE- ARE YOU LEGAL
Under Oregon Statutes, the legal noise limit is 99 decibels; however, agencies have the latitude to impose more restrictive noise levels where necessary. That's why the noise level at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is 93 decibels. Here in Central Oregon, we are still at 99 decibels.
So what is a decibel?
A decibel is a unit used to express the relative intensity of sounds on a scale from zero for the average least perceptible sound to about 130 for the average level that causes pain in humans.
In comparison, how loud is 99 decibels?
Typical Sound Levels
Why should I care? I ride in the middle of nowhere. No one can hear me.
WRONG!!! Noise is the number one threat to the future of motorized recreation. Increasingly, noise issues are being used to limit, restrict, or close your recreation opportunities. Why? Because NOISE ANNOYS!
Nearby residents don't want to hear your motorized vehicle coming two miles away. They moved to where they are to enjoy the solitude or the view and your noise annoys them. They can exert a lot of pressure on agencies to restrict activities that they don't like in "their" area.
More and more people are doing more and more recreational activities on public land. Everyone has a right to seek and enjoy the experience of their recreational pursuit. The noise of motorized vehicles annoys others by interfering with the recreation experience that they are seeking- solitude, being one with nature, watching the flora and the fauna. Even motorized recreationists like to hear the sound of nature when they turn off their machines.
Even without residents and without other recreationists, noise annoys the wildlife. This is their home and you are the visitor. Noise can disturb their eating habits; noise can interfere with important travel routes; noise can scare animals off their nests or dens and expose their offspring to predators; fleeing from noise can burn important energy reserves at critical times of the year. You are never alone.
How is sound checked?
OHV sound levels are measured using the stationary testing procedure SAE J1287, also know as the “20-inch test”. It’s a simple method of measuring exhaust sound emissions using readily available sound level meters. Basically, a machine is tested at one-half of its redline rpm, holding the meter 20 inches from the exhaust outlet.
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Sound Test Manual serves as the primary source for the RPM test data that is required to conduct the stationary sound tests. The manual details the entire procedure for implementing the SAE J1287 sound test which is used by most land management agencies throughout the country. The manual contains sound data and RPM testing levels for a wide variety of off-highway motorcycle and ATV models and years.
How do I find out if I'm legal?
COHVOPS offers complimentary sound checks. To schedule an appointment, please call COHVOPS at 541-383-4791. If you are tested out on the trails, the test will NOT be complimentary. You could be sent home and given a citation.
Know before you go...
COHVOPS Sound Protocol:
0-99db |
Thank You, Have Fun |
99-101 |
Issue Warning Notice, Ok to Ride, Issue Citation if Return |
101.1+ |
Issue Warning or Citation, Send Home, Issue Citation if Return |
Please Ride Responsibly
Less Sound = More Ground
|
