Lawmakers Are Trying To Quiet Oklahoma's Streets

Sunday, April 9th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Some Oklahoma lawmakers want drivers with loud stereos to turn it down or face a fine. The so called "boom box bill" would make it illegal for car stereos to be heard fifty feet away from the car.

People who like the loud booming music say lawmakers are trying to push it too far. 21-year-old Chris Helton says you can't beat cruising around with the windows down on a nice day.

"I gotta have my tunes," says Helton.

Helton's gotta have his tunes loud, he's paid big bucks to get that boom. Some state lawmakers call supped up car stereos loud and obnoxious.

"So loud it vibrates the windows and stuff," says Senator Helton.

That's why Democratic Senator Sam Helton of Lawton wants to fine folks like Chris Helton, who play their music too loud.

"I'm getting calls and e-mail from all over the state that are glad we are working on it," says Senator Helton.

Helton's son, yes Chris Helton, thinks his father is way off base.

"If I'm going to be cruising downtown during the day, I shouldn't get a ticket," says Chris.

Helton's father though is worried about his son, his friends, and other children's hearing. The lawmaker also says with the tunes cranked, drivers can't hear emergency vehicles. Car Toys Manager, Kip Lawson says practically all stereos can block out the sirens.

"There are factory radios that play loud where you can't hear safety sirens behind you," says Lawson.

The Tulsa city council passed an ordinance three years ago making it illegal for car stereos to be heard fifty feet away. It basically focuses on loud music during the evening and nighttime. City prosecutors say police are writing tickets where people park and play music in large groups. Chris Helton supports a law that would ban his loud music during the night.

"Especially in neighborhoods where people are trying to sleep," says Chris.

His father, the lawmaker, says he would support a compromise if that's what it takes to turn down some of that booming bass. Senator Helton says his "boom box" bill is a long way from being finalized. It's now in a conference committee.