Maui County, HI Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Maui County Code Chapter 9.36
- Threshold
- Audible 50+ feet outside vehicle
- 1st offense fine
- $25-$100
- 2nd offense fine
- $100-$250
- 3rd offense fine
- $250-$500
- Exempt
- Emergency, utility, parade vehicles
Summary
Maui County bans operating a vehicle's sound amplification system so loudly it "can be heard outside the vehicle from fifty feet or more" in any public area, targeting the bass-heavy car stereo systems the council found to be a driving hazard; a first offense draws a $25-$100 fine under § 9.36.040.
No driver of a vehicle shall operate, or permit the operation of, any sound amplification system which can be heard outside the vehicle from fifty feet or more when the vehicle is parked or operated in a public area, unless that system is being operated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous condition.
Full Breakdown
010 that these amplified speaker systems are a nuisance and a hazard because they can prevent a driver from hearing sirens and horns. 020 defines "public area" to include any public street, highway, building, sidewalk or park, and defines "sound amplification system" as an amplified speaker sound system, or any part of one, located anywhere in a vehicle. 030 sets the operative rule using an audibility test rather than a decibel meter: no driver may operate, or let anyone else operate, a sound amplification system that can be heard outside the vehicle from fifty feet or more while the vehicle is parked or operated in a public area, unless the system is being used to request assistance or warn of a hazard.
040 tiers the penalty by repeat offense: $25 to $100 for a first conviction, $100 to $250 for a second, and $250 to $500 for a third. 050 exempts authorized emergency vehicles, vehicles operated by gas, electric, communications or water utilities, and vehicles used for advertising, parades, or political or other special events.
Violations & Fines
A driver who operates or allows a vehicle sound system audible fifty feet or more away in a public area, without an emergency-assistance or hazard-warning purpose, violates § 9.36.030. Section 9.36.040 tiers the fine: $25 to $100 for a first offense, $100 to $250 for a second, and $250 to $500 for a third.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Maui County?
What is the fine for a loud car stereo in Maui County?
Are parade floats exempt from Maui's vehicle sound system law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii noise from specific sources overview
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