A New York City man is challenging a citation issued by one of the city’s controversial “noise cameras” after his stock Lamborghini Huracan was flagged for being too loud. Anthony Aquilino, the owner of a 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante, says his supercar remains in its original factory condition and has not been modified in any way. Despite this, he received an $800 fine for allegedly violating the city’s noise regulations.
New York City has been using noise cameras, which operate similarly to speed enforcement cameras, to crack down on vehicles exceeding noise limits. The cameras automatically capture footage and issue citations to offenders, a system that has been in place for several years and has been expanded to other cities like Chicago. However, Aquilino’s case has highlighted potential flaws in the system, particularly when it comes to high-performance vehicles that are naturally louder straight from the factory.
Aquilino is not taking the citation lightly. Concerned about the steep penalties—fines that escalate to $1,700 for a second offense and even higher for subsequent violations—he has decided to take legal action against the city. His argument is that the noise cameras, which lack the discernment of a human officer, unfairly penalize owners of vehicles like his Lamborghini, which are legally registered and compliant with state regulations.
This legal battle could have broader implications for the future of noise cameras in New York City and beyond. The case challenges the effectiveness and fairness of automated enforcement systems that do not account for the nuances of vehicle design and factory specifications. If Aquilino’s lawsuit is successful, it could disrupt plans to expand the use of noise cameras across New York City and potentially halt similar initiatives in other urban areas.
h/t: The Auto Wire