Shelby County's only numeric decibel limits are the motor-vehicle dB(A) ceilings in Sec. 24-368. The general noise ban in Chapter 16, Article III uses a reasonableness standard rather than ambient decibel tables.
Unincorporated Shelby County does not set community-wide daytime/nighttime ambient decibel tables. General noise is governed by the Sec. 16-61 reasonableness standard against unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise. The measurable dB(A) figures in the county code appear only for vehicles in Sec. 24-368: passenger cars 78 dB(A) at 50 feet (84 at 25 feet); trucks/buses over 10,000 lbs 87/93; under 10,000 lbs 80/86; motorcycles and go-carts 87/93; and train warning devices capped at 87 dB(A) at 50 feet. Measurements must use an ANSI-standard, calibrated sound level meter. Some incorporated cities adopt their own ambient decibel ordinances.
Vehicle noise exceeding the Sec. 24-368 dB(A) limits is unlawful and cited by traffic ticket after meter verification; general excessive noise is punished under Sec. 16-67 by a fine up to $50.00 per violation.
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