Transport noise is a part of everyday life, particularly in urban areas. Common sources of transport noise are:
- cars and motorcycles
- vans, trucks and buses
- road traffic
- passenger trains and trams
- freight trains.
For vehicles on residential property, visit Residential noise. For vehicles at a construction site, visit Construction noise.
Transport noise and the law
The general environmental duty applies to managing transport noise. This is important for people who design roads. The unreasonable noise duty also applies to transport noise.
Motor vehicles
Under the Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window), motor vehicles must meet noise standards when travelling on roads.
- The Regulations set standards for older vehicles.
- The Australian Design Rules (ADRs)(opens in a new window) set standards for newly built and imported vehicles.
It’s against the law to:
- use, or permit the use of, a vehicle that breaks noise standards
- sell a motor vehicle that breaks noise standards
- modify a vehicle so that it doesn’t meet noise standards.
Motor vehicles include:
- cars
- motorcycles
- light trucks up to 4.5 tonnes
- buses up to 4.5 tonnes.
Vehicle noise is also covered under regulation 289 of the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021(opens in a new window).
Trains and trams
Trains and trams are exempt from the noise requirements in the Environment Protection Act 2017 when:
- carrying passengers
- preparing for a passenger service.
However, you can still report noise from public transport.
Noise from trains and trams that are not in service can be unreasonable. This means when they are being moved, maintained and cleaned in a siding, marshalling yard or maintenance depot. These activities must comply with noise requirements for commercial, industrial and trade premises.
Our role in transport noise
We co-regulate transport noise with local government. Learn more about Who we work with.
We develop guidance to help businesses and industry understand the law and manage transport noise.
We also advise on the design of new transport infrastructure through land use planning.
We enforce the law to protect human health and the environment.
We issue:
- vehicle testing notices for noisy vehicles
- fines for not complying with vehicle testing notices.
We do not investigate noise complaints about transport noise. Find out who to contact to report transport noise.
Impact of noise on your health
Noise can be annoying or disturbing. If the noise continues for a long time or is too loud, it can affect your health and wellbeing. Learn more about noise and your health.
Reduce transport noise
You can help to reduce transport noise and its impacts by:
- walking or cycling instead of driving
- buying a quiet car
- driving calmly, without sudden acceleration and braking
- fitting low-noise tyres
- maintaining your vehicle.
The design, construction and maintenance of roads and rail infrastructure can help manage the impact of transport noise. Find out about:
- reducing traffic noise levels(opens in a new window) (VicRoads)
- managing passenger rail noise(opens in a new window) (Department of Transport and Planning)
- designing new roads(opens in a new window) (Department of Transport and Planning).
New homes and apartments near busy roads, railways and industry should include noise protection for residents. Learn about:
- noise controls(opens in a new window) at your home
- apartment design standards(opens in a new window) at the Department of Transport and Planning website.
Updated