The following sound sources are limited by this chapter:
1. Radios and Other Devices in Motor Vehicles. No person shall perform, create, cause, or permit a radio, television set, musical instrument, or any other device to produce, reproduce, or amplify sound to create a noise in excess of 86 dBA at 25 feet from such device when operated on a motor vehicle.
2. Muffler Cutouts. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehicle on a public highway.
3. Vehicle Exhaust System. Every motor vehicle shall be at all times equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. (The intent of this provision is that it is necessary to prevent both noise and smoke, and either one constitutes a violation.) Noise which is measured at a distance of at least 25 feet from the near side of the nearest lane being monitored at a height of at least 4 feet above the immediate surrounding surface as follows is excessive or unusual noise:
Motor Vehicle Designation | Speed of 35 MPH or Less | Speed Over 35 MPH |
Motor vehicles or a combination of vehicles towed by a motor vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more | 90 dBA or more | 94 dBA or more |
Any other motor vehicle or any combination of vehicles towed by any motor vehicle | 80 dBA or more | 84 dBA or more |
4. Animals and Birds. No person shall own, possess or harbor any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration emits sounds native to the species which are a noise disturbance. Excepted from the provisions of this subsection are guide dogs for the blind and the deaf.
5. Radios, Television, Phonographs, etc. No person shall operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound at a sound level which creates a noise disturbance. Church or clock carillons, bells or chimes; parades or processions, provided the conditions of the permit are met; mobile radio or telephone signal devices; and sanctioned racing events, are all excepted from the provisions of this subsection.
6. Lawn-mowing Equipment. No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a power lawn mower, power trimmer or other gasoline or electric powered device intended for mowing or trimming a lawn between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined in this chapter. No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a gasoline powered lawn mower which does not have a muffler if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined by this chapter.
7. Chain Saws. No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a power chain saw between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined in this chapter.
8. Solid Waste Collection and/or Hauling Equipment. No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of any solid waste collection and/or hauling equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Governmental fire department equipment, and devices used by emergency vehicles or by governmental officials or organizations for authorized public purposes, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.