Burien, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Burien Municipal Code Chapter 10.45 is the city's direct rule on truck noise, and it reaches delivery trucks because it covers trucks and truck tractors on every city street in the City of Burien, King County, Washington. Section 10.45.010 defines an engine compression brake as a motor vehicle brake which is activated or worked by the compression of the engine of a motor vehicle. Section 10.45.020 then says engine compression brakes shall not be used at any time on city streets by trucks or truck tractors, except public safety emergency vehicles, or unless the noise created by their use is effectively muffled.

Three features define the rule. It has no hour window, because the words at any time apply day and night. It has one vehicle exception, public safety emergency vehicles. And it has one equipment exception: a truck whose compression brake noise is effectively muffled does not violate it. The section does not set a decibel reading for muffling, so the test is whether the noise is effectively muffled.

Section 10.45.030 makes a violation of § 10.45.020 an infraction, punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 or more than $1,000 per violation. Each use is a separate violation under that wording.

Other Burien provisions reach delivery operations in neighborhoods. Section 9.105.410 lists public disturbance noises, including frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with starting or operating a motor vehicle within a residential district so as to unreasonably disturb the peace and comfort of property owners, and frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of a vehicle horn or siren except as a warning of danger. Section 9.105.430 sets a civil fine not to exceed $250.00 for a first offense. Section 10.20.005(1) defines nonroutine commercial traffic as any commercial delivery vehicle on residential streets that is not serving that neighborhood, and § 10.20.010 limits traffic that generates exterior noise exposure above 55 dBA Ldn in residential neighborhoods.