CAP071

http://www.fla-keys.com/keywest/motorcyclists.htm


A Note For Motorcyclists
From The City Of Key West

Key West welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts but drivers should be aware that the city's police department enforces the island's vehicle noise ordinance at all times without exception. This statute requires mufflers to be operating on all vehicles at all times and bars unnecessary revving of engines. See the text:


Sec. 26-196. Motor vehicle noise emissions.
Motor vehicles operating on the public right-of-way are regulated as set forth in F.S. § 403.415. The decibel measurements of this statute shall pertain to motor vehicle noise. It shall be unlawful to operate a vehicle, moped, scooter or motorcycle in the city in violation of a provision of this statute. In addition, every vehicle, moped, scooter and motorcycle shall be equipped with a muffler in constant operation and be properly maintained to prevent disturbing or unreasonable noise. Furthermore, it shall be unlawful for a person to engage in rapid throttle advancing or revving of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, moped, scooter or motorcycle that is at a standstill or that is in the flow of traffic where such rapid throttle advancing or revving is not necessary for its safe operation, thus resulting in increased noise.


No person shall operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle off a public right-of-way in violation of this article. This article shall apply to all motor vehicles, whether or not duly licensed or registered, including but not limited to commercial or recreational racing vehicles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, mopeds, go-carts, amphibious vehicles, campers, power boats, personal watercraft, or any other engine-powered vehicle; provided, however, that a vessel owner may operate an engine for a reasonable period of time in order to flush out the engine with fresh water.


A citation issued under this section need not be initiated by citizen complaint. It may be issued by a police officer in the course of his duties.
(Code 1986, § 55.04; Ord. No. 03-13, § 1, 6-3-2003)


For more information, visit http://keywestcity.com.

Cord

iTrader: (2)

Last time we were down there I reved my rented scooter unnecessarily and nobody bothered us. Even managed a couple of power stands!

CAP071

Don't get caught is what it is all about

Bad Girl

We set off every car alarm in town last time we were there with bikes. No cops bothered us.

cookee

There isn't anywhere to rent something bigger than a scooter is there?

Scott B

It may be on the books, but unless you are a total jerk they will not bother ya...

cuda

Most laws in KW are treated more like suggestions.

CigDaze

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

THRILLSEEKER

I did that last year and almost dumped Race Girl off the back.