Staten Island Man Sues NYC Over $800 Noise Ticket for Driving His Lamborghini

Staten Island Man Sues NYC Over $800 Noise Ticket for Driving His Lamborghini

A Staten Island man is taking the city to court after being slapped with an $800 noise violation for driving his Lamborghini outside the Lincoln Tunnel. Anthony Aquilino claims the fine is unfair because he's never modified the car to make it louder. He says the only way to avoid future fines is to sell his prized possession.

"As you see the car right now, is how it was delivered from Lamborghini from Italy to America," Aquilino said.

New York City has been quietly installing "noise cameras" throughout the five boroughs over the past two years, designed to detect noisy cars and trucks and issue violations. The program aims to address noise pollution that disrupts local communities, particularly at night.

"The noise camera program was instituted to address any vehicle that is disrupting the local community," City Councilmember Keith Powers said in a statement. "New Yorkers have a right to a peaceful night of sleep, and that's what our program aims to achieve."

Aquilino is suing the city, demanding an exemption from the noise camera program. If he loses, he says he'll likely avoid driving in the city altogether. However, he argues that he shouldn't have to make such a drastic decision simply because his car naturally produces a certain level of noise while driving at a normal speed.

"I can't change this. I can stop speeding, but I can't stop the car from sounding a certain was -- especially driving at a normal rate of speed," Aquilino said.

This case raises important questions about the effectiveness and fairness of noise cameras in a city known for its diverse automotive landscape. As the city continues to expand its noise camera program, the outcome of Aquilino's lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for car owners and the city's efforts to combat noise pollution.