Birmingham residents frustrated by roaring engines along Woodward Avenue could get relief under new state legislation introduced by their own representative.
State Rep. Natalie Price (D-Berkley), whose 6th House District includes Birmingham, co-sponsored House Bills 6151 and 6152 with Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield) on July 1. The bills aim to give police clearer authority to crack down on illegally modified exhaust systems without requiring officers to take real-time decibel readings at the roadside.
"I've heard from residents across my district who are frustrated by excessively loud vehicles disrupting their neighborhoods," Price said in a statement announcing the legislation. "This legislation responds to those concerns while making it fair for drivers to comply with the law."
What the bills would change
Under current Michigan law, enforcement of vehicle noise rules is inconsistent because officers often lack clear standards for what counts as a violation, according to the House Democrats' press release. The new package would:
- Let officers cite drivers based on observable, unlawful exhaust modifications rather than hard-to-measure decibel levels.
- Allow first-time offenders or drivers whose noise stems from unintended mechanical problems to avoid penalties if they fix the vehicle before their court date.
- Increase fines for repeat violators.
The approach differs from local ordinance strategies that set specific decibel thresholds. Birmingham's City Commission has tracked "Woodward noise" as an ongoing agenda item since at least May 8, 2023, according to city manager reports. The city's summer 2026 Birmingham Beat newsletter also featured an article on noise reduction measures.
Price discusses bills on WDET
Price discussed the legislation on WDET 101.9 FM's The Metro program on July 22 telling host Robyn Vincent that complaints from residents near Woodward drove the effort. The interview is available through WDET's podcast feeds.
The bills have been referred to the Michigan House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. No hearing date has been scheduled.
Hoskins, the lead sponsor, framed the package as a balance between neighborhood peace and fairness to drivers. "People have a right to enjoy their homes and neighborhoods without being subjected to excessive and unreasonable vehicle noise," he said in the July 1 announcement.
The House Democrats' press release describes the legislation as bipartisan, though no Republican co-sponsors have been publicly named.
Residents who want to weigh in can contact Price's office or submit written testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee through the Michigan Legislature's website.
