Loud Exhaust Leads to DUI Charge for Christchurch Driver | New Zealand News
- A 56-year-old man is facing his third drink-driving charge after police were alerted to a vehicle with an “extremely loud exhaust” in Christchurch, New Zealand.
- According to police, officers on foot patrol heard a vehicle accelerating with a particularly disruptive noise.
- Upon stopping the vehicle, officers issued the driver a $600 fine for driving in a manner causing annoyance.
Christchurch Driver Faces Third Drink-Driving Charge After Noise Complaint
A 56-year-old man is facing his third drink-driving charge after police were alerted to a vehicle with an “extremely loud exhaust” in Christchurch, New Zealand. The incident unfolded on Wednesday in the Cashel Mall carpark, leading to the man’s arrest and an upcoming court appearance.
According to police, officers on foot patrol heard a vehicle accelerating with a particularly disruptive noise. Senior Constable Scott Agnew stated, “We heard a particularly loud car accelerating and reverberating through the nearby indoor carpark.” The sound also caught the attention of members of the public, who directed officers to a black Holden.
Upon stopping the vehicle, officers issued the driver a $600 fine for driving in a manner causing annoyance. However, the situation escalated when the driver subsequently failed a breath alcohol test. “The driver admitted the offence but it was an expensive bit of fun. He also had an excess of breath alcohol, and it wasn’t his first time,” Agnew said.
The vehicle was found to have a modified exhaust system, which prompted police to issue a green sticker indicating a defect. Agnew explained that exhaust noise levels are regulated, stating, “Exhaust noise can’t be noticeably and significantly louder than the original exhaust.”
The man is now scheduled to appear in the Christchurch District Court on March 25, charged with driving with excess breath alcohol for a third or subsequent time. This latest charge marks a concerning pattern of behaviour for the driver, raising questions about repeat offending and the consequences for those who choose to drive under the influence.
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of police to address dangerous driving behaviours and maintain public safety. The quick response to the noise complaint demonstrates the effectiveness of foot patrols in identifying and addressing potential offences. It also serves as a reminder to motorists to adhere to road regulations and drive responsibly.
The case is likely to draw attention to the penalties for repeat drink-driving offenders in New Zealand. The upcoming court appearance will determine the appropriate consequences for the driver’s actions, potentially including a significant fine, imprisonment, and a lengthy driving ban.