"Louder Than Train Noise"…People Unable to Sleep Due to Motorcycle Roar

Nationwide Motorcycle Noise Increased Sevenfold in 3 Years
Current Regulation Standard 105dB... Similar to Train Noise
Engine Technology-Based Gradual Strengthening of Standards Needed

Around 11 p.m. on the 29th of last month, at the Bukak Skyway Observatory in Jongno-gu, Seoul. After a vehicle left and the entrance became quiet, motorcycle riders wearing helmets began to gather one by one. This place is known as a representative driving course in Seoul, famous for its beautiful night view and low traffic. It is a hot spot that is always crowded with people who want to enjoy night riding, such as motorcycle and bicycle clubs.

Even close to midnight, the entrance to the observatory was bustling with motorcycle lights and exhaust sounds. The roaring noise of "buaang" was heard every time a motorcycle started its engine, as arriving and departing motorcycles mixed together. What about the nearby residential area at the same time? Upon arriving at an apartment on the first floor about five minutes by car from the observatory and checking, the sharp motorcycle exhaust noise could be heard clearly even from a distance.

Mr. Jo Hyung-woo (38), who has lived in Jongno-gu, Seoul for over three years, said, "In summer nights, groups of motorcycle riders gather, and every time, the noise is so loud it feels like my ears are being torn apart," adding, "The peak time is from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., so I end up closing the windows because I can't sleep."

On the night of the 29th, a man is riding a motorcycle in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Lee Seo-hee]

Residents are increasingly complaining of fatigue due to the noisy motorcycle exhaust sounds during the summer. Experts emphasize that the current motorcycle exhaust noise enforcement standards are too lax and that authorities need to gradually strengthen these standards.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the number of motorcycle noise complaints received by local governments nationwide in 2022 was 3,033, more than seven times the 428 cases reported three years earlier in 2019. Motorcycle noise complaints have been increasing significantly every year, from 428 in 2019 to 1,133 in 2020 and 2,627 in 2021. Accordingly, the number of motorcycles subject to enforcement has also risen sharply, from 299 in 2019 to 7,461 in 2022.

On the other hand, the number of fines imposed is almost negligible. In 2022, the number of motorcycle fines nationwide was only 45 cases, accounting for just 0.6% of the enforcement cases. A Ministry of Environment official explained, "Motorcycles that violate the law are being steadily enforced," but added, "There are indeed difficulties due to a lack of manpower and time. The law was revised once last year, and since it is still in the early stages of implementation, enforcement will be strengthened going forward."

According to the current Noise and Vibration Control Act, the noise enforcement standard for motorcycles is 105 dB, and exceeding this results in a fine of up to 2 million KRW. However, local governments can designate 'mobile noise regulation zones' and strengthen enforcement standards to a maximum of 95 dB, but currently, few local governments have established such zones.

As motorcycle noise complaints surged, the Ministry of Environment revised the Noise and Vibration Control Act once last year. The revision prohibits motorcycle exhaust noise from being increased by more than 5 dB compared to the noise level at the time of purchase or certification test results. In other words, if a motorcycle is illegally tuned to produce exhaust noise more than 5 dB louder than its stock state, a fine is imposed. However, there have been many criticisms that the effect is limited because if the stock exhaust noise is 100 dB, noise up to 105 dB is still not subject to the law.

Experts point out that the current noise enforcement standard (105 dB) specified by law is too lenient. According to the National Noise Information System, 100 dB corresponds to the noise level of 'railroad noise when a train passes by,' which is lower than the motorcycle noise regulation standard. Generally, research shows that hearing loss and sleep disturbances can occur from noise levels above 60 dB.

Professor Lee Ho-geun of the Automotive Engineering Department at Daeduk College said, "105 dB is a considerably loud noise. It feels even louder at night when the surroundings are quiet," adding, "Moreover, in Korea, noise is measured based on exhaust noise when starting the engine, but when driving, the noise is even louder, so the noise perceived by ordinary residents is much more severe."

Experts advise the government to gradually strengthen enforcement standards and differentiate them by time of day to alleviate residents' discomfort. Professor Lee said, "With advances in engine development technology, motorcycles produced recently can be made quieter. Nevertheless, the current enforcement standards are based on older times," adding, "We need to consider how to solve the problem without infringing on riders' property rights as much as possible, such as by gradually strengthening regulations and applying differentiated standards after 10 p.m. until then."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.