Noise Ordinances in Otero County, NM (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Otero County, New Mexico.
Verified from official government sources
Barking Dogs
It is unlawful in unincorporated Otero County for a dog owner to let a dog bark excessively enough to disturb the peace, or to keep any animal that habitually barks, howls or otherwise disturbs neighbors, under Chapter 170's separate barking-dog section.
Barking Dog Nuisance Law in Otero County
Some RestrictionsOtero County Code § 170-2
§ 170-2. Barking dogs. It is unlawful for any owner of a dog to allow his dog to bark excessively and thereby disturb the peace and tranquility of others. It is unlawful for any owner or owners of any animal to keep it or maintain it so that it habitually or continuously barks, howls, or otherwise disturbs the peace and quiet of the inhabitants of this County.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In unincorporated Otero County, running a radio, phonograph or musical instrument loud enough to disturb the quiet or comfort of anyone in a nearby dwelling, motel, hotel or hospital is unlawful under Chapter 170, with no fixed decibel meter but a real, citable standard.
Amplified Sound Rules in Unincorporated Otero County
Some RestrictionsOtero County Code § 170-1.A(2)
§ 170-1. Unreasonable noise prohibited. A. Unreasonable noise consists of any unreasonably loud, shrill, or blaring noise of such a character, intensity, or time as to be detrimental to the quiet, life, or health of any others. It includes, but is not limited to, the following: ... (2) The use of a radio, television, phonograph, musical instrument, or other sound producing device in a manner as...
Vehicle Noise
Unincorporated Otero County bans unmuffled engine-brake retarders (Jake brakes) and unmuffled straight pipes on all county roadways outside municipal limits, a dedicated chapter separate from the general noise ordinance.
Unmuffled Jake Brakes Banned in Otero County
Some RestrictionsOtero County Code §§ 170-5, 170-7
§ 170-5. Intent. The intent of this article is to ensure the citizens an environment free from excessive sound caused by the use of an unmuffled retarder device, commonly known as "Jake brakes®," or unmuffled straight pipes when a driver is attempting to slow a motor vehicle's rate of speed without the use of braking power and instead utilizing any exhaust and/or engine device. § 170- ... ... 7...
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