Cleveland, OH Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 437.20(e)
- Numeric limit
- 95 decibels
- Measurement point
- 5 feet from source
- Zone/time variation
- None: flat citywide limit
- Penalty
- Minor misdemeanor, § 437.99
Summary
Cleveland caps motor vehicle noise at 95 decibels measured five feet from the source, under Codified Ordinances § 437.20(e). The limit is a flat citywide standard, it does not vary by zoning district or time of day, and pairs with the same section's muffler and exhaust-modification bans.
No person shall operate any motor vehicle which produces a sound or noise in excess of ninety-five (95) decibels as measured not less than five (5) feet from the source of such sound or noise. The term “decibel” means a unit for measurement of relative sound levels as indicated by a sound level meter having those properties essential for the purpose of administration and enforcement of this section of a nature defined by the current American Standard Association Specification (Z 24.3-1944).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-28: Current through legislation passed September 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
3-1944, the acoustical measurement standard the section's drafters adopted when the provision was enacted by Ord. No. 1684-76 in 1976. The 95-decibel/5-foot test is a single, uniform threshold applying everywhere a vehicle operates in the city, the ordinance contains no separate tier for residential zones, industrial areas, or nighttime hours; a vehicle either exceeds 95 decibels at the five-foot measuring point or it does not. 20(a)-(d): a vehicle can fail the decibel test even with an intact muffler, and a modified exhaust can violate (c) without necessarily reading over 95 decibels. 99, which makes any Chapter 437 violation lacking its own stated penalty a minor misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 95 decibels measured at five feet from the vehicle is a minor misdemeanor under the Chapter 437 general penalty section, § 437.99, since § 437.20 sets no separate fine schedule for subsection (e). Cleveland Police cite the violation using a sound level meter built to the standard referenced in the ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleveland's decibel limit for vehicle noise?
Does Cleveland's vehicle noise limit change by neighborhood or time of day?
How is the 95-decibel limit measured?
Is exceeding the decibel limit the same violation as an illegal muffler?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cleveland
Compare Cleveland to another location·View the Ohio noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle decibel limits.