Hamburg parties call for nationwide ban on artificial electric vehicle noise

The SPD and Green Party governing factions in Hamburg are calling for a nationwide ban on artificial engine noise in electric vehicles at higher speeds. The initiative aims to combat ‘car posing,’ where drivers use synthetic sounds to mimic internal combustion engines.

Proponents argue that technical progress should reduce traffic noise rather than artificially recreating it. They emphasize that while low-speed warning sounds are necessary for safety, artificial sounds serve no functional purpose and contribute to noise pollution, which is linked to health issues such as sleep disturbances and cardiovascular disease.

The Hamburg Bürgerschaft is scheduled to vote on this proposal during its session on September 16. The factions are supporting a Bundesrat initiative to implement this ban across Germany.