Dayton, OH Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility limit
- 25 feet from vehicle
- Applies on
- Streets and highways
- Key exceptions
- Emergencies, parades, ice-cream vendors
- Penalty track
- § 94.99, escalating misdemeanors
Summary
Dayton bans running a vehicle's sound system, including car-stereo bass, loud enough to be heard 25 feet away from the vehicle on any street or highway.
(A)No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway if the sound from any sound amplifying equipment located inside of, outside of but attached to, or held by a person inside, the motor vehicle, is discernible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the vehicle.(B)This section does not apply to any of the following circumstances:(1)The sound amplifying equipment of the motor vehicle is being operated to request medical or vehicular assistance or to warn others of a hazardous road, vehicle operating, or traffic safety condition.(2)The motor vehicle is an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle and is on an emergency run.(3)The motor vehicle is owned and operated by the state, a political subdivision, or a public utility.(4)The motor vehicle is participating in a parade for which the sponsors of the parade have obtained the proper permits.(5)The sound amplifying equipment of the motor vehicle is being operated as a requirement of federal or state law.(6)Vendors of ice cream and related products in accordance with § 112.05(B)(6) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Ord. 28926-94, passed 10-26-94)
Secs. 94.13—94.98. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
R.C.G.O. § 94.12(A) targets exactly the low-frequency 'boom' complaint: no one may operate a motor vehicle on a Dayton street or highway if sound from any sound amplifying equipment located inside, attached to, or held by someone inside the vehicle is discernible 25 feet or more away. Narrow exceptions in § 94.12(B) cover emergency or hazard warnings, government and public-utility vehicles, permitted parades, sound required by federal or state law, and licensed ice-cream vendors between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Outside those exceptions, an audible car stereo at 25 feet is a straightforward violation.
Violations & Fines
Playing a vehicle stereo or amplifier loud enough to be heard 25 feet away on a public street, without falling into a § 94.12(B) exception, violates § 94.12 and is enforced under § 94.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Dayton?
Are there exceptions to Dayton's car-stereo noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dayton
Compare Dayton to another location·View the Ohio noise from specific sources overview
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