Circuit Noise Regulations
The UK is lucky to have so many quality motorcycle track day circuits, although sadly we're not well off for overall space - given the size of our population - with an undersupply of housing.
This little island aint getting no bigger... So new residential housing estates and leisure complexes with hotels, as well as the expansion of existing towns and villages, continue to encroach on the land around established circuits.
Inevitably there is a Karen or two ready to complain about those noisy motorbikes riding around in circles all day - having moved next to a circuit that's been there 100 years prior!
Over time, this means circuits have either closed, had the number of active days reduced per year, and/or had noise limits imposed (with a specific number of unrestricted noise days per year in some cases).
As this doesn't seem to be such an issue in Europe we've focused on UK circuits:
Track Day Noise Testing
Whether we like them or not, noise regulations must be complied with to protect our prized circuits from further restrictions or worse, closure (and also protect Karen's ears).
Circuits therefore have mandatory noise testing in place. In most cases there will be static noise tests, with a wand held 0.5 metres from the business end of your exhaust can, whilst you rev your bike at the required rpm (usually around 5,500rpm for a modern 4-cylinder 4-stroke bike or 3/4 maximum revs).
There will be a designated sound testing area and noise tests will be conducted by an ACU approved Noise Control Officer following ACU Regulations. All circuits will have a published Noise Management Plan.
They will also have automated 'drive-by' noise tests somewhere on the circuit (some circuits only have drive-by meters). So removing your baffles after the static test won't work and if you exceed the drive-by limit you'll get a black flag to return to the pits.
If you're not sure how loud your bike is, you may want to check it out in advance to save a wasted trip. Although, we've seen creative riders making impromptu baffles from coke-cans to try and save their track day (with mixed success)!
Important Note: We try to keep our website up-to-date, but cannot guarantee the info below is accurate, so do your homework if in doubt.
What Does dB(A) Mean When Measuring Decibels?
We won't bore you to death with the science that we Googled... However, decibels are measured in two ways: dB(A) is the one we're interested in - the average noise exposure over a cycle or shift (hence revving your bike for a short period to get a measurement), whereas dB(C) is short sharp bangs (like a backfire).
So dB(A) is a measure that is more akin to the way the human ear hears things and is used to measure average exposure over a period of time.
And no, it turns out the 'A' in dB(A) does not stand for Average! It means 'A-Weighting' (an adjustment to measure sound like a human ear, or something like that).
MSVT Circuit Noise Limits
For Motorsport Vision Trackdays (MSVT) at their circuits the following decibel limits apply:
- Brands Hatch:
- Brands Indy Circuit: 102dB(A) during the day / 101dB(A) in the evening - Drive-by limit is 92dB(A)
- Brands GP Circuit: 101dB(A) - Drive-by limit is 92dB(A)
- Oulton Park: 102dB(A) - Drive-by limit is 89dB(A)
- Cadwell Park: 105dB(A)
- Snetterton: 102dB(A) during the day / 102dB(A) in the evening - Drive-by limit is 92dB(A)
- Bedford Autodrome: 101dB(A) - Drive-by limit is 87.5dB(A)
- Donington Park: 98dB(A) drive-by only - Unless it's an unlimited or unrestricted noise day
If you've booked on one of these circuits, you can find more info on the MSVT Questions page (what to expect and what requirements you need to meet).
Other Circuit Noise Limits
Whilst the MSV limits are easy to locate all on one page due to common ownership, we're still working through the other circuits and will add to this list over time:
- Anglesey: 105dB(A) - Drive-by limit is 95dB(A)
- Castle Combe: 105dB(A)
- Croft: 102dB(A) - Drive-by limit is 97dB(A) (on a 'quiet day' this is 88dB(A) static and drive-by)
- Darley Moor: 102dB(A) + random trackside noise tests
- Knockhill: 105dB(A)
- Lydden Hill: 100dB(A) - Drive-by limit is 92dB(A)
- Mallory Park: 103dB(A)
- Pembrey: 96dB(A) drive-by only (unless they ask for a static test due to non-standard exhaust)
- Thruxton: 90dB(A) - Yep we had to check that twice as well!
ACU Noise Limits for Motorbike Racing
Your exhaust must pass strict ACU noise limits (usually 105 dB/A for most classes).
For more information about ACU regulations to do with race bike conversions, check out our article: From Road Bike to Race Bike.
How to Noise Check Your Bike In Advance
Whilst you can buy various bits of noise testing kit and download phone apps, it's generally not recommended as they are not entirely accurate.
Some circuits (if not all) will be very helpful and test your bike in advance, although you should email them to arrange a date/time - don't just turn up unannounced...
