Daily Herald, Elgin, IL

Elgin police tow first vehicles under new law on loud music By Tom O'Konowitz Daily Herald Staff Writer Posted on August 13, 2001

At least two Elgin men this weekend felt the sting of the city's controversial new law that allows police officers to tow cars that blast loud music.

Police say they heard the booming music well before they even saw Mario Lazcano driving his white 1990 Dodge Shadow down North Douglas Avenue Saturday afternoon.

One officer estimated he could hear the thumping bass of Lazcano's car from more than 75 feet away, giving him the authority to pull over the car, according to Elgin's stringent new law governing loud car stereos.

The officer cited Lazcano, 21, of 359 N. Crystal St. in Elgin, with a violation of the local sound amplification ordinance, police reports show. He also was charged with driving without a license and driving without insurance.

Lazcano's car was towed to a local impound lot, and Lazcano will have to pay a fine and the impound lot's fees to get it back.

Under the city's new ordinance, which took effect Aug. 1, it is against the law to play your car stereo loud enough that it can be heard from more than 75 feet away.

Violators, even first-time offenders, will see their cars towed, and they will receive citations that come with fees ranging from $100 to $250 each. The towing company can charge storage fees between $65 and $125.

Repeat offenders can be fined up to $500.

The new towing ordinance went into effect after residents and city leaders complained about motorists who drive through town blasting their stereos. Previously, offenders were simply ticketed and fined, but city officials said the 800-plus tickets issued last year weren't doing enough to stop the noise.

In another incident, Oliverio Bello, 28, of 1366 Todd Farm Drive in Elgin, was heading east on Chicago Street near Center Street around 2:20 a.m. in his maroon 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass when police pulled him over.

They reported that Bello's windows were down and that they could "clearly" hear his car's music from more than 110 feet away.

His car was taken to the impound lot ,nd he was issued a citation and notice to appear in Elgin City court Sept. 4 at 9 a.m.

Bello and Lazcano could not be reached to comment Sunday afternoon.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001

Answers

i wish they would outlaw those noisy mufflers that people put on their little cars. what a racket!

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001

There is a teenager that cranks his radio in his truck. With my windows and storm windows closed, I can hear him at least a block away. I wish the cops would take his truck!

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2001