Bozeman, MT Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Bozeman has no section written for delivery trucks by name. The truck rules come from the residential-area noise section of the Bozeman Municipal Code, § 16.06.060, which applies in areas zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-O, RMH, R-S or PLI. Item 1 bars sounding any horn or signaling device on a truck, automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle, including backup beepers, except as a warning signal. Item 3 bars loading, unloading, opening or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, garbage containers or other objects in a manner that disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of a normally sensitive and reasonable person. Item 2 separately requires that the exhaust of any motor vehicle or stationary internal combustion engine discharge through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises.

Section 16.06.070 then carves out clock windows. Non-emergency signaling devices, including back-up beepers, are authorized from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from October 1 through March 30 and from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from April 1 through September 30. Loading, unloading and handling of boxes, crates, containers and solid waste containers is authorized on the same seasonal end times but opens at 5:00 a.m., provided the parties obtain and comply with any permits required by chapter 38. The exception covers solid waste, recycling and compost collection by the city or by a private contractor licensed by the Montana Public Service Commission. Subsection B makes clear that nothing in the exception allows activity prohibited under chapter 38.

Two citywide rules in § 16.06.050 apply to every truck in the City of Bozeman regardless of zone: a vehicle or load so out of repair or so loaded as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noises is unlawful, and so is any excessive or unusually loud noise. Emergency work is exempt under § 16.06.080.