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Milwaukee, WI Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Time limit
5 minutes in one location
Penalty class
Class K: $150-$1,000 forfeiture
Enforced by
Health commissioner and police
Applies to
Trucks parked on public streets

Summary

Milwaukee bans running a compressor, air conditioner, or other noise-making device attached to a parked truck on a public street for more than 5 minutes if it disturbs nearby homes.

Air compressors, etc. The

operation, while parked upon the public streets,

alleys or thoroughfares in the city for more than 5

minutes in any one location, of any compressor,

air conditioner or other noise-making device

which is attached to any truck or other vehicle

when the noise of such equipment is of such

intensity to cause a nuisance, as defined herein,

to occupants of nearby residential dwellings.

b-2.

Sound-producing devices. The

operation of any radio, television, musical

instrument, compact disc or tape player,

phonograph or other machine or device for

producing or reproducing sound in such manner

as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the

neighboring occupants, or at any time with louder

volume than is necessary for convenient hearing

for voluntary listeners without hearing impairment

who are in the room, vehicle or area in which the

machine or device is operated.

b-3.

Distance of greater than 50 feet.

The operation of any radio, television, musical

instrument, compact disc or tape player,

phonograph or other machine or device in a

manner that tends to disturb the peace, quiet and

comfort of the neighboring occupants at a

distance of greater than 50 feet from the site,

building, structure or vehicle where the machine

or device is located.

b-4.

Disorderly conduct. Noises created

by human behavior which may also constitute

disorderly conduct.

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee's noise nuisance code treats a compressor, air conditioner, or other noise-making device attached to a truck or other vehicle as a public nuisance once it runs for more than 5 minutes in one location on a public street, alley, or thoroughfare and the noise is intense enough to bother occupants of nearby residential dwellings. The rule sits in the city's noise nuisance subchapter (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 80, Subchapter 2) and is enforced by the health department commissioner, with s. 80-65-4 jointly enforceable by the commissioner and the chief of police. A violation is a Class K offense under s. 61-17, carrying a forfeiture of $150 to $1,000, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense and 6 to 40 days' imprisonment possible if the forfeiture goes unpaid.

Violations & Fines

Violating s. 80-65-4-b-1 is a Class K offense under s. 61-17: forfeiture of $150 to $1,000 per day, with 6 to 40 days' imprisonment on default of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a delivery truck run its refrigeration unit outside my house?
Only briefly. Once a compressor, AC unit, or similar device attached to a parked truck runs more than 5 minutes in one spot and disturbs nearby homes, it's a noise nuisance under city code.
Who enforces Milwaukee's truck noise rule and what's the penalty?
The health department commissioner and police enforce it. A violation is a Class K offense: $150 to $1,000 forfeiture per day, with jail time possible if the forfeiture isn't paid.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

All Milwaukee rules

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Delivery Truck Noise in Nearby Cities

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