Colfax cruisers breaking noise laws

Photo byKarim Imanuel FoxonUnsplash

The author used artificial intelligence in the crafting of this article.

People who cruise Colfax probably wouldn’t even hear a cop coming up behind them, siren wailing.

That’s because many of them have insanely loud mufflers or souped up stereo systems. As they fly down the corridor they announce their arrival, both with holy mufflers (mufflers with holes in them) and big bass speakers.

The City and County of Denver requires motorists to have a muffler in good working order at all times. After market mufflers that violate the city’s noise ordinance are not allowed. In fact, honking your horn without cause violates the law as well.

Yet on Colfax, roaring exhausts remain common. So why do so many people violate the noise law on Colfax? Here are some explanations.

Status signaling. For some drivers, a loud exhaust functions like a peacock's tail. The noise broadcasts presence, performance, and identity. The point is not transportation. The point is being noticed. Masculinity and image Researchers who study consumer behavior and masculinity have long noted that some men use vehicles as extensions of identity. A modified exhaust can project toughness, rebellion, mechanical competence, or dominance, whether or not the vehicle itself is actually high performance.

Attention in an anonymous city. Most people on Colfax are strangers passing strangers. A loud exhaust guarantees a reaction. Even negative attention is still attention. The vehicle becomes a way to briefly control the environment and force acknowledgment.

Car culture. Not every loud muffler is about ego. For enthusiasts, exhaust modifications are often part of a hobby. The sound is appreciated the way musicians appreciate tones or audiophiles appreciate speakers.

Rebellion against norms. Some drivers openly enjoy violating expectations. The noise itself becomes a declaration that they do not care whether others approve.

Motorists can get a ticket for noisy mufflers. First offenses can run between $250 and $5,000. As for car stereos, the volume can't be plainly audible from 25 feet away unless you hold a same-day amplified-sound permit from Excise and Licenses; first violation carries a minimum $50 fine.