Ask the news - Oct. 29

While our children are having soccer practice at 14th and Norris streets some drivers stop for the light and they have their music very loud. Isn’t there a Clovis noise ordinance? Why don’t people know it? We have difficulty hearing when the music is so loud. Why do people listen to their music in their cars so loud anyway?

Clovis Deputy Police Chief Trevor Thron said Clovis does have noise ordinances.

One ordinance states, “It is unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continue any noise disturbance from sound amplifying equipment if it is located (on): Any public right of way, any motor vehicle on a public right of way and if the sound generated is audible at a distance of 25 feet from the device producing the sound.”

Another determination as to whether the sound is in violation is whether the sound is audible to an officer in a motor vehicle with all the windows closed.

Intensity of the noise, if the noise is usual or unusual, time of day, the proximity to residences and location regarding city zoning are among other determining factors if there is a violation.

“You would think they would know better, but you know that’s not always the case,” Thron wrote in an email about those playing music really loud.

Thron said he didn’t know of reasons why people play their music loud.

“You know, I don’t think I can ever recall someone giving me an excuse or reason for their music being loud,” Thron wrote.

Clovis Community College Sociology and Criminal Justice instructor Scott Richeson offered possible explanations for loud music.

“For instance there are often certain places within a city and a town where younger people congregate and can involve themselves in some deviant behavior including playing loud music,” Richeson said.

Richeson mentioned the gathering of young people late Friday nights at the shopping center parking area just off the intersection of North Prince and 21st streets.

“Normally they want to be seen and heard. That’s part of the reason for loud music,” Richeson said..

Richeson said another reason for loud music is the person playing it has an audience.

“They spend a lot of money on their stereo equipment, and they’ll look for an audience that can appreciate their system and music. If they’re irritating the soccer moms that tells them for sure they’ve got a loud stereo system,” Richeson said.

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