How do noise limits for motor vehicles use tests developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Can bubble curtains protect harbor porpoises from noise pollution? — noise pollution Learn about the impact of underwater noise on marine animals, notably harbour porpoises.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) does not directly set legal noise limits; rather, it establishes standardized test procedures used to measure the noise levels produced by motor vehicles.1

Regulatory bodies at the federal, state, and local levels in the United States utilize these SAE-developed protocols to define and enforce noise ordinances, such as the common 80-decibel limit. By providing a consistent, scientific methodology for measurement, these tests allow authorities to regulate noise pollution effectively and ensure compliance across different vehicle types. Similar regulatory frameworks based on standardized testing are also implemented within the European Union.1