A. Ambient noise and traffic noise non-compliance rates:
According to EPA statistics in 2001, the ambient noise non-compliance rate was higher than 40%. The traffic noise non-compliance rate was higher than 6%. Since 2002, the EPA and local EPBs reinforced the noise control measures. From 2002 to 2019, the non-compliance rate of ambient noise decreased from 24.6% to 7.7% and that of traffic noise from 6% to 1.5%, clearly demonstrating the positive effects of noise control measures undertaken by the EPA and local EPBs.
B. Motor vehicle noise control:
For the approval of new vehicle models, stricter motor vehicle noise level standards will be gradually implemented. In response to global trends in the noise control legal framework, Phase 5 and Phase 6 went into effect in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Phase 7 standards were announced in 2013 and will be implemented in 2021. Since 2010, the EPA has implemented in-use vehicle noise campaigns yearly and has strengthened in-use vehicles’ roadside investigations conducted jointly with local EPBs, police departments, and motor vehicles management authorities. From 2011 to 2019, a total of 26,452 vehicles were inspected and approximately 50.4% were non-compliant with stationary noise control standards. The EPA's main measures to control the noise emitted from the improperly modified vehicle exhaust pipes are: (1) the enhancement of the joint inspection and ban program; (2) the development of a report notification inspection mechanism; (3) the promotion of public education and awareness; and (4) the development of test vehicle exhaust pipe certifications and posted qualified logos.
C. Low frequency noise control:
Control of low frequency noise arising from business and recreational premises has been enforced since July 1, 2005. In 2013, the Noise Control Standards were revised. From 2014 to 2018, a total of 14,142 cases were inspected nation-wide. Non-compliance with low frequency noise level standards was found in 1,002 cases. The non-compliance rate for low frequency noise cases was 7.1%.
This indicates that low frequency noise indeed has had an adverse impact on people's lives and reinforces the importance of extending the scope of noise control standards to include low frequency noise.
Since low frequency noise is highly penetrable, it is more difficult to assess the level of nuisance that it causes. As a result, the EPA requires local EPBs to reinforce noise improvement plans.

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