US Congress bans `silent’ cars

WASHINGTON - With the number of electric cars likely to increase significantly in the coming year, the US Congress has banned “silent” vehicles to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Traffic authorities have been given 18 months to set a minimum volume for extremely silent cars. The law stipulates warning signals when a vehicle travels at silent low speeds.

Associations for the blind have welcomed the regulation which still has to be signed into law by US President Barack Obama.

Several electric car makers however offer noise options for buyers that range from the “whoosh” of the Starship Enterprise to a sports-car like roar akin to a Ferrari or Lamborghini.