Manchester, NH Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Max noise level
- 80 dBA at 25 feet
- When it applies
- any time, day or night
- Covered vehicles
- under 10,000 lbs GVW
- Enforced by
- Police Chief or designee
- Penalty range
- $100 to $1,000, escalating
Summary
Manchester caps motor vehicle noise, including delivery trucks, at 80 dBA measured 25 feet away, enforced at any time under the noise ordinance's Table B standard.
All noise levels from motor vehicles shall be measured at 25 feet from the source vehicle to determine compliance. Except where preempted by state law the standards in Table B shall apply to all noise emitted from motor vehicles including any and all equipment thereon, under any condition of acceleration, deceleration, idle, grade or load and whether or not in motion. ... Table B: Motor vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, manufacturers gross vehicle weight — At any time — 80 [dBA] — 25 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Code of Ordinances § 94.12 sets Table B's maximum allowable noise level for motor vehicles under 10,000 pounds manufacturer's gross vehicle weight at 80 dBA, measured 25 feet from the vehicle, applicable at any time of day or night and covering acceleration, deceleration, idle, grade, or load conditions whether moving or stopped. Section 94.42(H) makes it prohibited conduct to operate any motor vehicle exceeding those Table B limits. The Police Chief or a designee enforces the chapter under § 94.04, and heavier trucks are addressed only "except where preempted by state law."
Violations & Fines
Operating a delivery truck over the 80 dBA/25-foot limit is a § 94.42(H) violation: $100 for a first offense, $250 second, $500 third, and $1,000 for a fourth or later offense in the same year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 80 dBA limit cover heavy delivery trucks?
How is delivery truck noise measured in Manchester?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire noise from specific sources overview
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