Operation of radios or other mechanical or electronic soundmaking devices or instruments in vehicles; exemptions.

(1) A person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway may not operate or amplify the sound produced by a radio, tape player, compact disc player, portable music or video player, cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, stereo, television, musical instrument, or other mechanical or electronic soundmaking device or instrument, which sound emanates from the motor vehicle, so that the sound is:

(a) Plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle; or

(b) Louder than necessary for the convenient hearing by persons inside the vehicle in areas adjoining private residences, churches, schools, or hospitals.

(2) This section does not apply to a law enforcement vehicle equipped with a communication device necessary in the performance of law enforcement duties or to an emergency vehicle equipped with a communication device necessary in the performance of emergency procedures.

(3) This section does not apply to the noise made by a horn or other warning device required or permitted by s. 316.271. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall adopt rules defining “plainly audible” and establish standards regarding how sound should be measured by law enforcement personnel who enforce this section.

(4) This section does not prohibit a local authority from lawfully imposing more stringent regulations on sound produced by a radio or other mechanical or electronic soundmaking device or instrument as described in subsection (1), which sound emanates from a motor vehicle.

(5) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.