Car theft is all too common these days. According to the FBI, a car is stolen every 46 seconds. That’s why it never hurts to double-check that our vehicles our locked before walking away. Little do we know that we may be breaking Wisconsin law by doing so.
When you walk away from your vehicle, it’s natural to double-check if it’s locked by pressing the lock button on your key fob. Depending on what type of noise your vehicle makes, you might be violating Wisconsin state law.
Some vehicles make a subtle chirping noise when you lock them, which is OK. Other vehicles make loud, hornlike sounds that may violate the law.
Wisconsin state law bans any type of “electric sound amplification” that is audible from 75 feet away. While the law makes exceptions for things like emergency vehicles, no exception is made for double- checking that your vehicle is locked.
Those who violate the law could receive a citation from law enforcement officials. The Wisconsin statute doesn’t specify the amount of the fine incurred with such a violation.
