Deukmejian Signs Law to Muffle ‘Boom Boxes’

Gov. George Deukmejian on Wednesday signed a bill aimed at turning down the volume on those super-amplified automobile stereo systems that delight the cruising crowd and destroy the peace and quiet of others.

Effective Jan. 1, it will be illegal in California to operate any vehicle sound system that can be heard outside the vehicle from 50 feet or more. Offenders will be subject to a $50 fine for the first violation and steeper fines for subsequent offenses.

As stereo technology has advanced, “boom boxes” have increased in popularity and are capable of belting out music at an ear-splitting 140 decibels or more.

Local governments, particularly in Southeast Los Angeles County, asked Sen. Cecil N. Green (D-Norwalk) to introduce the bill, contending that local efforts were ineffective in controlling what many critics called noise polluters.

Police and sheriff’s departments who supported the measure said issuing a citation that carries a fine would deter high-volume abuse.

But several manufacturers of the high-powered stereo systems opposed the bill, arguing that a better deterrent would be education.

The governor also signed these bills:

AIDS--Requires convicted prostitutes and intravenous drug abusers to participate in AIDS education programs. The bill was carried by Assemblyman Stan Statham (R-Oak Run).

Prison--Directs the state Department of Corrections to study the feasibility of constructing a state prison on surplus federal properties in Southern California and report back to the Legislature in 1991. The measure was authored by Assemblyman Willard H. Murray Jr. (D-Paramount).