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

The City of Olympia, in Thurston County, Washington, has no delivery-truck noise section. Chapter 8.32 of the Olympia Municipal Code sorts vehicles by weight rating instead, so a delivery truck is covered when it falls in the heavy category. Section 8.32.070 bars operating any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles on a public right-of-way or other public place, under any conditions of grade or load, so as to exceed the maximum permissible sound levels, measured with a sound level meter at fifty feet from the center of the lane of travel under procedures established by the State Commission on Equipment.

Table I sets the numbers. Motor vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR or GCWR are held to 86 dBA at 35 MPH or less and 90 dBA over 35 MPH. Motorcycles are held to 80 and 84, and all other motor vehicles to 76 and 80. GVWR is the manufacturer's loaded weight rating for a single vehicle and GCWR is the rating for a combination vehicle, per OMC 8.32.020. Section 8.32.070 also says no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any highway within the city limits with brakes activated by the compression of the engine, such as a "jake brake," without the proper muffling required by WAC 173-62-030(2).

The exemptions in OMC 8.32.090 are narrow. They cover auxiliary equipment on vehicles used for street maintenance or utility services, garbage collection vehicles while compressing garbage during collection, and emergency vehicles performing emergency work. Delivery vehicles are not on that list. The noise control officer, who is the chief of police under 8.32.040, studies the truck route system under 8.32.050(C), identifies areas sensitive to sound and vibration impacted by trucks, and recommends route changes. An operator unable to comply immediately can apply in writing under 8.32.100 for an implementation schedule, and an aggrieved person can appeal the decision to the city council.

Under 8.32.110, when a driver operates with the owner's express or implied permission, both are subject to the chapter and primary responsibility rests with the owner unless the manner of operation caused the violation. Muffler and tire-noise duties are in 8.32.080.