Vehicles and the environment

Assessing vehicle noise levels

The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) authorises private companies (Authorised Noise Level Assessors) with qualified staff to conduct vehicle noise level assessments.

Typically, noise level measurements will be required on certain vehicles that have been inspected or are to be subsequently inspected by an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).

Vehicles are typically tested when they are suspected to be excessively noisy by an enforcement officer/examiner or when a noise test is required for licensing—such as for Individually Constructed Vehicles, modified vehicles and Street Rods.

Authorised Noise Level Assessors are responsible for conducting the tests, completing the necessary paperwork and issuing the vehicle owner with an official Noise Level Record form.

The customer must take their vehicle and the endorsed test result an Authorised Inspection Station (AIS).

Generally, the inspection report will be automatically finalised without any further charge when the acoustic report confirms that the vehicle conforms to standards.

More information and a list of authorised noise level assessors

Additional information, including contact details of Authorised Noise Level Assessors in Western Australia are provided in the accompanying information bulletin, IB-121E: Vehicle noise assessors - PDF.

Information for noise level assessors

The hand book, CP-104B: Authorised noise assessor’s handbook (Code of Practice) – PDF, provides information on:

• application to become an Authorised Noise Level Assessor or Officer
• certification procedure
• forms
• prescribed test procedures
• responsibilities.

Emission testing of modified light vehicles

How much your vehicle impacts air quality is determined by several factors. These include:

• the age and condition of your vehicle
• the distances you travel
• your driving style
• your vehicle's technology.

The main causes of air pollution in Perth are smoke and smog. Effective vehicle maintenance can help reduce smoke emissions from your vehicle.

The Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 places limits on the smoke being emitted from the vehicle exhausts.

The information bulletin IB-124G: Emission testing for light vehicles update (Information Bulletin) – PDF, provides details on emission testing for light vehicles that have undergone modifications.

The bulletin includes information on:

• extractors and other exhaust modifications
• turbochargers, superchargers and modified camshafts
• vehicles with a temporary modification permit.

Reporting vehicles

Report a smoky vehicle

You can report a smoky vehicle to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Report an abandoned vehicle

To report an abandoned vehicle, particularly if there may be a public safety issue, you can contact the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444.

Alternatively, you can contact your local council and their ranger service will investigate.