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| Back to Silver Lake . Effective April 1 the parks department will begin noise level testing on dune vehicles. Under the 1975 law, sound levels were tested while the vehicle was in second gear at full throttle. The parks department has established new test procedures for off-road vehicles entering the dunes. Vehicles will be checked at the safety check station just at the dune entrance ramp. Vehicles must maintain a maximum 92 decibel noise level. Vacuum cleaners measure approximately 80 decibels and rock music measures approximately 100 decibels. Park staff will check for mufflers and spark arresters with baffles that can be confirmed by inserting a flexible plastic rod. Noise level checks will be random. Sound levels will be tested at 20 inches from the vehicle's tailpipe. Standards will vary based on vehicle and engine type. According to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) information, "V" configured engines will be tested at 2,500 rpm, and all others will be tested at 2,000 rpm. Motorcycles and all-terrain vehicle noise testing also will vary, depending on engine size. The DNR information points out vehicles manufactured for "closed track" use or motorcycles and ATVs with aftermarket exhaust systems will likely not meet the standards. Vehicles failing the standards will not be allowed to enter the dunes. The parks department also changed how it will operate the dune voucher system on weekends and holidays. Dune users with stand-by parking lot vouchers will no longer be allowed to line up on Fox Road for a parking space to open. They will be required to stay in the voucher center parking lot just east of the dune entrance. Vouchers will be required on weekends and holidays from May 10 to Sept. 8. The program developed three years ago staggers arrival times in two-hour intervals for dune users. The system was developed to keep long traffic lines from forming outside the park. Dune ready vouchers will be available at noon on Fridays, and parking lot vouchers will be available at 6 p.m. Fridays. The voucher center will remain open until at least midnight of Fridays and reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The number of vouchers will be limited to two dune ready and one parking per individual. User name and license plate numbers are required. The parks department also extended its alcohol prohibition to include the entire voucher area. As in past years, valid driver's licenses or drivers licenses and off-road vehicle safety certificates for riders between 12-16 are still required, but younger riders may only operate ATVs or motorcycles as their training certificates specify. The complete list of voucher rules and noise regulations is expected to be posted at the park department website at www.michigandnr.com, Testing levels : Full size vehicles: "V" motors 2,500 rpm All others 2,000 rpm Motorcycles/ATV: 80cc 6,000 rpm 125cc 5,000 rpm 250cc 4,000 rpm 500cc 3,000-3,500rpm |
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