Planned Change to Vehicle Noise Limit: Measurement, Fine, and Citizen Peace

Imedi's report of 9 October 2026 states that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is working with auto-moto federations on changes to noise regulations and is considering increasing the limit to 100 decibels. This is a description of a planned change. The report cannot be used in place of a published normative act and its effective date.

What is the legal basis for noise sanctions?

Part 3⁴ of Article 119 of the Code of Administrative Offences provides for sanctions for driving a vehicle with operational noise exceeding the norm established by law. For a specific violation, the limit in force at the time of the action and the relevant measurement procedure must be ascertained. A future proposal does not provide an automatic answer to today's protocol.

It is necessary to ascertain the equipment used, the place and conditions of measurement, the condition of the vehicle, the recording, and which current methodology was used. These are questions for checking evidence; the unlawfulness of a specific fine is not established in this article. A noisy video alone cannot replace the full measurement material.

What rights should be balanced?

Citizen health, peace in the living environment, and the lawful use of a vehicle are matters for comprehensive assessment. When changing regulations, clear justification, scope of action, and practically enforceable control are required. The regime permitted for a sporting event and daily traffic on a residential street may be subject to different rules.

Article 8 of the European Convention, which is binding for Georgia, protects private and family life and the home. Serious noise exposure may affect the assessment of this guarantee, but the Convention does not establish a uniform decibel limit for all situations. The severity of the specific impact and the state's response must be assessed separately.

What can a driver or citizen check?

The driver should keep the protocol and measurement materials; an aggrieved citizen should provide a description of the specific location, time, and recurring problem to the authorised body. The appropriate means of appeal is determined by the specific act. A new limit should only be considered active after official adoption and entry into force, taking into account relevant transitional rules.

Related explanation: Municipal transport and public service quality.

Verification Date

Legislation verified as of 10 October 2026.