Noise Ordinances in Chester County, PA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Chester County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Chester County directly regulates amplified sound on its own property: no person may use a loudspeaker, public address system, amplified musical instruments or amplifier on county park property without a permit. Off county land, amplified music is governed by your borough or township noise code.

Amplified Sound Needs a Permit in County Parks

Some Restrictions

Chester County Parks Regulations Section 29

No person shall: A. Use a loudspeaker, public address system, amplified musical instruments, or amplifier within or upon Department property without a permit issued by the Department.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Decibel Limits

Chester County has no countywide decibel ordinance. Pennsylvania sets vehicle sound limits statewide in 67 Pa. Code Chapter 157: measured at 50 feet, most cars may not exceed 76 dBA at 35 mph or less, motorcycles 82 dBA, and heavy vehicles 86 dBA. General noise decibel limits, if any, are

Statewide Decibel Limits for Motor Vehicles

Some Restrictions

67 Pa. Code 157.11 (Table 1)

Maximum permissible sound levels measured at 50 feet: vehicles over 6,000 lbs GVWR - 86 dBA at 35 mph or less; motorcycles (excluding motor-driven cycles) - 82 dBA at 35 mph or less; other motor vehicles - 76 dBA at 35 mph or less.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vehicle Noise

Vehicle noise is set by state law, which applies throughout Chester County. Under 75 Pa.C.S. section 4523, every motor vehicle must have a working muffler with no cutout or bypass, and no one may modify an exhaust to amplify noise above the state limit. Local police enforce it.

Loud Vehicle Exhaust Illegal Statewide in PA

Some Restrictions

75 Pa.C.S. 4523(c)

Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Chester County ordinances

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