Noise protection: Tyrol closes routes
ATTENTION While Germany is discussing possible driving bans to limit motorcycle noise, Austria is putting its money where its mouth is. From June 10, certain routes will be closed to bikes that are too loud. Here's what the state of Tyrol writes on its website: Due to the considerable noise pollution for the population living in the district of Reutte, from June 10 to 31 [...]
The following writes the province of Tyrol on its website: Due to the significant noise pollution for the population living in the district of Reutte, from June 10 to October 31, 2020, driving bans for particularly loud motorcycles - stationary noise (near field level) > 95 dB (A).
Thus, the track closures affect not only pimped motorcycles with too loud exhaust systems, but also correctly homologated and approved machines.
Fines of up to 220 euros may be imposed
The driving bans initially apply to six stretches of road in the Tyrol and will come into force on June 10, 2020. Anyone who disregards them can be fined 220 euros. The following routes are affected
- The L199 Tannheimerstrasse between Weissenbach am Lech and Schattwald respectively the German-Austrian border including Gaichtpass
- The L198 Lechtalstrasse between Steeg and Weissanbach am Lech
- The L21 Berwang-Namloser road between Bichlbach and Stanzach
- As well as the stretch over the Hahntennjochpass between Imst and Elmen, which is divided into three sections (L266 Bschlaber Strasse, L72 Hahntennjochstrasse, L246 Hahntennjochstrasse).
Route closures in the Tyrol
As a reason for the route closures for too loud - in the opinion of the state of Tyrol - motorcycles, the responsible parties give the constantly growing noise level. "The population in the district of Reutte has already been greatly inconvenienced by noise for years due to the constantly growing motorcycle traffic," reads the corresponding communication from the (federal) state of Tyrol.
But why only the motorcycle noise is problematic and the noise caused by cars and trucks, on the other hand, is acceptable, is not discussed. Thus, the road closures apply only to motorcycles.
Stationary noise allowed up to 95 dB
Compared to the temporary track closures on weekends that we know from Germany, the closures in Tyrol do not apply to all motorcycles. Motorcycles whose stationary noise is louder than 95 dB are affected.
If you are a Swiss biker wondering what "stationary noise" is, you are certainly not alone. While this value is shown in EU vehicle documents, you look in vain for this information in the Swiss vehicle registration document.
Information on the nameplate
When moto.ch asked the Tyrol how Swiss motorcyclists should be checked, the answer was that for drivers from Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the dB figure entered on the type plate (sticker on the motorcycle) is decisive.
Text: Patrick Schiffmann
