The State - News from Sept. 1, 1989

In an action that might be music to the ears of many of their constituents, the state Assembly voted to ban car stereo “boom boxes” that can be heard 50 feet away. Legislation by Sen. Cecil Green (D-Norwalk) was passed on a bipartisan 43-19 vote, despite criticism from opponents who claimed that the bass-blasting stereos provide a harmless diversion for youths who might otherwise be using drugs. The measure now returns to the Senate for concurrence in Assembly amendments. Proponents argued that the loud music is a public nuisance, makes it impossible for the driver to hear emergency vehicles and can cause permanent hearing damage. The bill would make the offense a traffic violation punishable by a fine, which would vary from one jurisdiction to another. But the violation would not go on the motorist’s record.