Appleton is trying again to raise fines for excessive vehicle noise, with a committee approving a more moderate increase on Wednesday.
The Safety and Licensing Committee voted 3-1 to advance penalties of $250 for a first offense, $400 for a second and $800 for subsequent offenses. Current penalties are $100 and $200. The fines would apply to noise from engine revving, tire squealing and gravel throwing, not to modified mufflers, which are regulated by state law.
It was the committee's third look at the issue. An earlier version with fines up to $500 and $1,000 was sent back after some council members said the amounts were too high.
Assistant City Attorney Zak Buruin told the committee that after court costs, people assessed at the new levels would actually owe $483, $672 and $1,176.
Council Member Josh Lambrecht, the sole vote against advancing the measure, said he favored higher penalties. The proposal goes to the Common Council on Nov. 4.
