China's First Penalty Under New Environmental Code Targets Loud Motorcycle Noise; Liuzhou Rider Fined ¥1,600

On August 17, the Chengzhong Traffic Police Detachment of Liuzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau imposed an administrative penalty of RMB 1,600 on motorcycle owner Wei for violating traffic regulations. Wei signed the "Public Security Traffic Management Administrative Penalty Decision" on the same day. An investigation revealed that at 19:30 on August 16, Wei was riding a motorcycle with its muffler illegally removed near “Mo Pan Coffee” at the Jinglan Water Sports Base in Chengzhong District, Liuzhou City, when he was stopped by patrolling officers due to the excessively loud noise from the exhaust pipe. Footage from law enforcement body cameras showed that the motorcycle emitted abnormally loud sounds even without throttle input. Police confirmed Wei’s driving behavior through vehicle trajectory data from the “Public Security Traffic Intelligent Management System” and his mobile navigation records. Citing Article 1,187 of the newly enacted *Civil Code of the People's Republic of China on Ecological Environment*, which took effect on August 15, along with violation code 60981, traffic authorities determined that Wei had committed the offense of “operating a motor vehicle with unauthorized modifications—such as removal or damage of the muffler or installation of modified exhaust systems—that produces excessive noise through roaring or speeding.” This case marks the first nationwide penalty issued under this provision specifically targeting illegal vehicle modifications causing noise pollution. From August 14 to 16, Liuzhou’s Traffic Management Brigade conducted a joint multi-agency crackdown on illegal street racing and “boom-boom” (noise-generating) vehicles, uncovering 98 related violations and impounding 89 offending vehicles in accordance with the law.