“What can be done about the increased noise from squealing tires and revving engines on Woodward Ave.?”
It’s a question that Royal Oak city leaders are asked often, particularly following those first warm days each spring.
Royal Oak and Woodward Ave. have long served as a space where neighbors and classic car enthusiasts come together and enjoy the longer days and warmer nights of summer. The act of cruising along Woodward, car-tops down, waving at friends and strangers, is a tradition nearly as old as the road itself.
However, newer options in aftermarket noise-enhancing vehicle modifications have created higher levels and more instances of road noise. We regularly hear from residents that the road noise starts earlier each spring, occurs more regularly, and is just plain louder. This comes from modifications and add-ons like turbochargers and engine-enhancing speakers meant to give vehicles ultra-loud and attention-grabbing sound effects.
The City and Police Department have worked together, with neighborhood groups, and even with representatives in Lansing to tackle the noise problem head-on. We remain dedicated to finding a positive, long-lasting solution.
Is the City doing anything to identify and reduce vehicle noise on Woodward?
Yes. In fact, since 2016 the Police Department and City have made multiple moves towards strengthening enforcement and cracking down on unsafe drivers and intentionally-disruptive vehicles.
- In 2016 the City passed an ordinance prohibiting vehicle noise audible at a 50-foot distance—the most stringent vehicle-noise ordinance of all the Woodward communities. Police issued more than 100 high-cost citations to drivers in violation. Unfortunately, the ordinance was overturned in 2017 following a lawsuit filed against the City; we are now required to follow the State’s less-restrictive laws and ordinances.
- Police Chief Mike Moore and City Commissioners have discussed the issue with State reps and leaders. Last year they fought to support Rep. Natalie Price’s (D, 6th House District) proposed legislation aimed at penalizing vehicle noise modifications. The bill ultimately failed to pass; it has been rewritten and will be attempted again in 2025.
- Chief Moore reports that the Police Department has targeted unsafe driving, illegal gatherings by drivers and vehicles on private property, and noise-enhanced vehicles. On a recent warm day, the Department stationed officers at trouble areas, impounding seven vehicles and writing more than 40 citations in less than three hours.
Why does the problem seem to be worse in Royal Oak than in other Woodward Ave. communities?
Location, location, location. Royal Oak is near the center-point of Woodward’s 27-mile stretch between Detroit and Pontiac. Additionally, there are more Woodward-adjacent parking spaces and lots here, providing opportunities for drivers to park and gather. Police are regularly contacted by lot owners asking to have loitering drivers cleared from their properties.
Is Royal Oak becoming unwelcoming to cruisers?
Not at all. Woodward cruising has been synonymous with Royal Oak for decades, and we absolute welcome classic-car enthusiasts and visitors interested in driving historic M1. We simply ask that drivers are respectful of our residents and neighbors.
We consider those who drive unsafely (speeding, racing, doing stunts, etc.), and who intentionally try to violate local noise ordinances by using aftermarket performance vehicle modifications—particularly after evening hours—to be acting disrespectfully. Our Police Department will use their full resources to patrol and enforce accordingly.
What can residents do to keep the noise down on Woodward?
Get involved. The City and Police Department are doing everything in our power to tackle this challenging issue. Lasting change will come from stricter noise ordinances and tougher penalties for violators—and we need State support to accomplish this. Follow along and show your support for Rep. Price’s efforts in passing new legislation.