Keep your music to yourself Published April 25, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Adande C. Andrade 52nd Fighter Wing Legal Office SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- "Oh na na what's my name? Oh na na what's my name?" I scream at the top of my lungs into my windshield on the drive home from work. Now I don't mean to brag, but I'm sure you can imagine what a lovely sound this is. I had just jumped in my car, threw my hat to the passenger's seat, opened the windows and, of course, turned the volume on my stereo up to the max because everyone knows that's my song and I definitely need to relax after a long day of work. As nice as this may sound, I put myself at risk of being punished for violating a lawful order. According to Joint Publication Army in Europe Regulation 190-1/U.S. Air Forces in Europe Instruction 31-202, "Privately Owned Vehicle operators will not play their radios or stereos so loudly that they can be heard more than 10 feet from the (privately owned vehicle) with the windows up or make noise with their motor, exhaust, or tires that is louder than normal use (for example, racing motors, using exhaust systems that are not issued by the POV manufacturer, squealing tires)." Unnecessarily loud vehicles are not only in violation of a lawful order, but can be disruptive to a productive work environment. "It is very difficult to stay focused on my workload while vehicles continue to cruise past my window playing their loud music," Maj. Mark Hoover, 52nd Fighter Wing Legal Office deputy staff judge advocate, said. As it starts to warm up, more people let down vehicle tops, open sun roofs and roll all the windows down. It's important that we all remain conscious of the volume of sounds coming from our vehicles. Producing excessive noise while operating a POV is considered to be a Category Five offense and failure to comply with these instructions can cost service members and base guests anywhere from two to three driving points. This is not only specific to drivers; members of the dormitories may also play music louder as the seasons start to change. When the windows are closed, a passerby should not be able to hear the music being played in a room. We must remain cognizant of our noise levels off base as well -- particularly during quiet hours. Quiet hours in Germany are 10 p.m. - 7 a.m. daily and all day on Sundays and holidays. For more information you can refer to Joint Publication AE Regulation 190-1/ USAFE Instruction 31-202.