Tough action will be taken against the use of unauthorised lights and horns in vehicles causing noise pollution from July 1, police said. 

Addressing a media briefing today, Traffic Police DIG Ajith Rohana said only ambulances, police radio cars, fire engines and disaster rescue vehicles would be exempt from this law. 

He said a grace period has been provided to motorists to remove unauthorised fittings until June 30 and added that legal action would be taken from July 1. 

When asked about vehicles used by politicians with colourful lights (VIP LED flashlights), he said such vehicles will also have to abide by this law. 

A fine ranging between Rs.2,500 and Rs.25,000 would be imposed on those violating this law, the DIG said. “Only four categories of vehicles such as ambulances, vehicles used by the fire-brigade, the police and the armed forces will be exempt from this law. 

These regulations will not apply to horns fitted to vehicles used during an emergency or a disaster,” DIG Rohana added. According to Gazette notification number 1737/37 issued on December 29, 2011, the sound emanating from vehicle horns should not exceed 105 decibels at a distance of two metres and not exceed 93 decibels at a distance of seven metres. 

Horns will be tested at distances of two metres and seven metres, he said. The police department said that if vehicles produced high sounds disturbing the public, it was a clear violation of the law. The law is mentioned in section 160 clause No. 21 in the Act of 1981 and in clause No.8 in the Act of 2009. The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) said despite the specified noise levels, drivers continue to exceed the frequency levels causing mental distress, high blood pressure and auditory disorders resulting in more road accidents. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)