Although noise pollution is a growing concern across Europe, only a few EU countries have taken steps to regulate excessively noisy vehicles using technology, such as noise cameras. Such efforts often face legal and technical challenges, but some governments are actively testing and refining their approaches. The current landscape is examined in closer detail below.
In the United Kingdom, the first trials of roadside noise cameras began in 2019, primarily targeting modified vehicles. Several reports have since been published, including a detailed evaluation of performance across four pilot sites. These trials aimed to validate a 95 dB LAFmax (- the highest fast time-weighted sound level measured during a period) threshold at a distance of 7.5 m (see: UK Gov Report). While local councils and police have been given enforcement powers, national legislation is still pending. A report by stakeholders recommended setting up a national noise group, issuing local guidance via Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and launching campaigns to promote the benefits of noise cameras (see: ITS UK).
France has made rapid progress since launching trials in 2020. Following non-enforced trials in 2022, two devices are currently undergoing certification. If successful, noise cameras could be deployed in seven pilot cities by early 2026. Several legal mechanisms are already in place, including a noise threshold of 85 dB LAFmax at a distance of 7.5 metres and a fixed penalty of €135. Legal and data protection frameworks are being finalised to enable automatic enforcement.
Initial tests have been conducted in regions such as Brussels, Wallonia and Ghent in Belgium, but there is currently no legislative basis to penalise noise. Technical limitations also present barriers, but discussions are underway to introduce enforcement measures in the medium term.
Switzerland has piloted noise cameras in the Geneva Canton with promising results (Canton of Geneva). However, a lack of national legislation prevents broader implementation. The Swiss Federal Council has highlighted complications such as varying emission limits depending on vehicle type and the absence of real-time feedback for drivers. Although current laws permit fines of up to CHF 10,000 for excessive noise, particularly during quiet hours, the use of automated systems is still under legal review (Swiss Federal Council).
Even though Germany has seen pilot projects in cities like Berlin, progress has stalled. Legal uncertainty, particularly regarding data protection and the evidentiary standards required to prove a vehicle is excessively noisy, has hindered development. While fines of up to €100 can be issued under current law for unnecessary noise, widespread deployment of noise cameras is unlikely in the near term. The national motoring organisation ADAC has expressed support for noise-reduction measures but remains sceptical about the effectiveness of fixed noise cameras (ADAC).
Noise cameras have not been introduced in the Netherlands, but trials of sound level meters have taken place managed by TNO institute (TNO). While there is a growing interest in tackling noise pollution, there is currently no legal or technical framework in place to support acoustic enforcement.
Spain has installed noise cameras in major cities like Barcelona, though these are not yet used to issue fines. The national traffic authority (DGT) continues to rely on manual enforcement, issuing penalties ranging from €90 to €600 depending on the severity. The expansion of camera-based enforcement is still being considered.
Italy and Austria, by contrast, have neither implemented trials nor introduced specific legislation related to noise camera enforcement to date.
Despite national differences, three recurring challenges stand in the way of widespread implementation:
- Legal basis for issuing fines.
- Technical certification of devices to ensure reliable measurements.
- Definition of noise thresholds for enforcement.
Beyond Europe, New York City has launched an operational noise camera programme capable of issuing fines under local legislation (NYC Annual Report). However, it has also faced questions about fairness and implementation standards (Truth About Cars).
Extensive research and pilot programs have shown that excessive noise from passing vehicles is caused not by aging vehicles or poor road conditions, but primarily by driver behavior and vehicle modifications. Unlike speed, noise levels are not immediately perceptible to drivers. However, vehicles that are unmodified and driven under normal conditions are expected to comply with European regulations, specifically UN/ECE R51 or R41 for pass-by noise measurements.
To align with these standards, noise control should be conducted on roads with a speed limit of 50 km/h, and measurements should be standardized at a reference distance of 7.5 meters. Thresholds can then be defined per vehicle category or based on the maximum values among them, with a margin to account for uncertainties defined by the measurement system certification and the environment.
In an automated system, the monitoring device must provide reliable evidence of noise violations. Like speed cameras, noise cameras can effectively provide proof, given the following minimum technical requirements:
- A sound level meter for standardized ambient noise measurement,
- A microphone array to unequivocally confirm that the vehicle is the primary source of the noise, constituting the overall ambient noise level,
- A distance measurement between the vehicle and the acoustic sensor,
- A video system capable of identifying vehicles and reading their license plates,
- An audio recording to verify the nature of the noise.
In the presence of a sworn police officer, the device can be simplified by removing the audio recording and license plate recognition features. A key difficulty is the certification of emerging technologies involving microphone arrays, as well as harmonizing measurements based on distance.