The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Mr. Speaker, as another season of warm weather in Newfoundland and Labrador comes to an end, I stand today to speak about the work my department has done to help combat a common problem in many of our communities during summer, namely loud vehicles.

Regulations made under the Highway Traffic Act specify that all vehicles are required to be equipped with an exhaust system consisting of pipes or chambers which ensure that exhaust gases are cooled and expelled without excessive noise. They also prohibit the use of a vehicle with a muffler that is cut out, defective or disconnected; has a baffle plate or other part removed; has the exhaust outlet opened or widened; and has a device attached which increases the noise emissions.

These regulations apply to all vehicles, including motorcycles, operating on any highway in our province.

Mr. Speaker, Highway Enforcement Officers in my department focus on commercial vehicle safety and perform roadside inspections. They are trained specifically in detecting mechanical defects and, through a partnership with the RNC traffic services division, have helped train officers to help them determine when an exhaust has been modified, or suspected of modification.

We also updated the Official Inspection Station Manual to include motorcycle inspections, allowing law enforcement to direct the operator of a motorcycle to have an inspection completed when they suspect that it does not meet road safety requirements, including exhaust systems. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, my department will also make officers available to assist with inspections during future RNC-led enforcement initiatives.

Together, we will continue to work toward peaceful enjoyment for all.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.