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Valencia County, NM Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Key Facts

Heavy trucks (10,000+ lbs GVWR) on roads: 90 dB(A) limit
Lighter delivery vehicles under 35 mph: 80 dB(A)
Lighter delivery vehicles over 35 mph: 84 dB(A)
Off-road/private property limit: 78 dB(A) at property line
Roadway measurement point: 50 feet from lane center
Max penalty: $300 fine or 90 days jail

Summary

Delivery trucks and other heavy vehicles operating on public roads in unincorporated Valencia County may not exceed 90 dB(A) under Chapter 92's vehicular noise limit, regardless of posted speed, while the same trucks on private or non-road property are capped at 78 dB(A) measured at the property line.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Valencia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(B) Vehicular noise. (1) Sound from a vehicle being operated on a public road or highway with the following speed limits shall not exceed the following as measured on the "A" weighting scale: (a) Vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle rating of 10,000 lbs. or more, and any combination of vehicles towed by such a vehicle: (i) Speed limit under 35 miles per hour: 90 dB(A); and (ii) Speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour: 90 dB(A); ... (2) Sound from a vehicle being operated on private property or public property which is not a road or highway shall not exceed 78 dB(A) measured at the property line.

View official code

Full Breakdown

21(B) sets a weight-based vehicular noise ceiling that directly covers delivery trucks. 21(B)(1)(a). 21(B)(1)(b) instead, capped at 80 dB(A) under 35 mph and 84 dB(A) above 35 mph. 21(B)(2) applies a flat 78 dB(A) limit measured at the property line rather than the roadway speed table. 21(B)(1): sound is read 50 feet from the center of the travel lane for vehicles on a public road, with a standard A-weighted sound level meter meeting American National Standards Institute specifications. 21(E), none of which name delivery trucks specifically, so a truck idling or backing up outside those exemptions is measured against the same 90 dB(A)/78 dB(A) figures at any hour. 31 in force instead of applying these figures.

Violations & Fines

A delivery truck exceeding the 90 dB(A) roadway limit or the 78 dB(A) off-road limit is a Chapter 92 noise nuisance. § 92.99 punishes each violation with a fine of no more than $300, imprisonment of no more than 90 days, or both. Complaints go through Code Enforcement, and repeat violations by a delivery operator can draw abatement action under the chapter's nuisance procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the noise limit for a delivery truck on a county road?

Under § 92.21(B)(1)(a), any vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle rating of 10,000 pounds or more, including delivery trucks, may not exceed 90 dB(A) measured 50 feet from the center of the travel lane, regardless of whether the posted speed limit is above or below 35 miles per hour.

Does the limit change if the truck is on private property, like a loading dock?

Yes. § 92.21(B)(2) sets a separate 78 dB(A) limit, measured at the property line, for any vehicle operating on private property or public property that isn't a road or highway, which covers most loading dock and parking lot delivery activity.

How is truck noise measured for a complaint?

§ 92.21(B)(1) requires sound from a vehicle on a public road to be measured 50 feet from the center of the travel lane on the A-weighting scale, using a standard sound level meter that meets American National Standards Institute specifications.

What happens if a delivery company keeps violating the noise limit?

Each violation is punishable under § 92.99 by a fine of no more than $300, imprisonment of no more than 90 days, or both, and the county can pursue injunctive relief to abate a recurring noise nuisance from repeat deliveries.

Sources & Official References

[1]Valencia County Code of Ordinances (American Legal)

Other rules in Valencia County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningFew Restrictions Building Safety: Childcare Center RulesSignificant Restrictions Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural MonumentsSome Restrictions

All Valencia County rules

Compare Valencia County to another location·View the New Mexico noise from specific sources overview

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