Existing Limits and Proposed Standards for Regulation of Emergency Vehicle Siren Noise Levels

Ms Valerie Lee asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what are the existing regulations or limits governing siren noise levels for emergency vehicles; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider setting or reviewing such limits to ensure that sirens are calibrated solely to effectively alert other road users while minimising noise impact, especially in residential areas.

Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines and Police vehicles, are equipped with sirens that meet the SAE J1849 international standard, which sets the minimum sound level required to ensure that they are audible enough to be effective as warning devices.

These sirens are necessary to ensure that emergency services are able to respond promptly to situations where there may be a threat to life or property. They are only activated when necessary.