Vehicles and the environment

Noise pollution regulations limit offensive noise levels from vehicles.

Acceptable noise limits, together with a national standardised test procedure, are in Part 10 of the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.

You will also find vehicle emissions legislation in Part 10 of the Rules. Please refer to the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.

We have authorised private companies (Authorised Noise Level Assessors) which employ suitably qualified employees, to carry out noise level measurements of vehicles.

Typically, noise level measurements will be required on particular vehicles that have been inspected or are to be subsequently inspected by an Authorised Inspection Station.

A vehicle is usually tested when an enforcement officer/examiner considers it emits excessive noise or because the vehicle is one that requires a noise test to be licensed. Such vehicles include 'Individually Constructed Vehicles' and 'Street Rods'.

Authorised Noise Level Assessors are responsible for conducting the tests, completing the necessary paper work and issuing the vehicle owner with an official Noise Level Record form.

The customer must take their vehicle and the endorsed test result an Authorised Inspection Station.

Generally, the inspection report will be automatically finalised without any further charge when the acoustic report confirms that the vehicle conforms to standards.

More information and a list of authorised noise level assessors

More information is provided in the information bulletin below, including contacts details of Authorised Noise Level Assessors in Western Australia.

Information for noise level assessors

The handbook for noise level assessors below provides information on:

• Application to become an Authorised Noise Level Assessor or Officer.
• Certification procedure.
• Forms.
• Prescribed test procedures.
• Responsibilities.

How much your vehicle impacts air quality is determined by several factors. These include:

• The age and condition of your vehicle.
• The distances you travel.
• Your driving style.
• Your vehicle's technology.

The two main causes of air pollution in Perth are smoke and smog. Effective vehicle maintenance can help reduce smoke emissions from your vehicle.

The Road Traffic (Vehicle Standards) Rules 2002 places limits on the smoke being emitted from the vehicle exhausts.

The information bulletin below provides information on emission testing for light vehicles that have undergone modifications.

The bulletin includes information on:

• Extractors and other exhaust modifications.
• Turbochargers, superchargers and modified camshafts.
• Vehicles with a temporary modification permit.

Report a smoky vehicle

You can report a smoky vehicle to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Report an abandoned vehicle

To report an abandoned vehicle, particularly if there may be a public safety issue, you can contact the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444.

Alternatively, you can contact your local council and their ranger service will investigate.

We encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternative fuels. It is expected that the use of alternative fuels will increase substantially in time. Find out more about using alternative fuels.