South Bend, IN Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Decibel limit
- 80 dB(A) for light motor vehicles
- Measurement distance
- 15 feet from the noise source
- First-offense fine
- At least $50.00
- Third+ offense fine
- At least $250.00 (Sec. 20-125(c))
- Covered vehicles
- Cars, motorcycles, ATVs, trucks under 8,000 lbs
- Exempt sounds
- Sirens, burglar alarms, authorized parades
Summary
South Bend caps noise from light motor vehicles, cars, motorcycles, ATVs and trucks under 8,000 pounds, at 80 dB(A) measured 15 feet from the source, anywhere in the city, at any time, under § 20-122. Modified or defective exhausts, tire squealing, and excessive revving that push noise past that limit are separately banned under § 20-123. A first offense carries at least a $50.00 fine, rising to $250.00 for a third violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cause noise levels from the operation or use of light- motor vehicles in excess of eighty (80) dB(A) in any area within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend, Indiana, at any time. Such noise level limit shall be measured on a distance of not less than fifteen (15) feet from the noise source. (Sec. 20-122) Light-motor vehicles. Any automobile, van, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorscooter, dune buggy, snowmobile, all terrain vehicles, go-carts, minibikes, trail bikes, and trucks with gross vehicular weights of less than eight thousand (8,000) pounds. (Sec. 20-121(3)) Upon conviction of violation of this article, the violator shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first offense; not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for the second offense; and not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for all offenses thereafter. (Sec. 20-125(c))
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
' Section 20-121 defines 'light-motor vehicles' broadly to include automobiles, vans, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, motor scooters, dune buggies, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, minibikes, trail bikes, and trucks under 8,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, and requires that readings be taken with an ANSI-calibrated sound level meter on the db(A) scale. Section 20-123 separately bans 'excessive noise levels' caused by a defective or modified exhaust system, unnecessary rapid acceleration, deceleration, revving, tire squealing, or blaring radios, phonographs, horns or tape players from the vehicle, even without a specific decibel reading.
Section 20-124 exempts emergency-vehicle sirens, electronic burglar alarms that signal a remote receiver, and duly authorized parade celebrations. Enforcement runs through the Police Department: an officer who believes the article has been violated records the driver's name, address, license and registration and issues a written citation per § 20-125(b), and the violation must be proven with a sound level meter meeting ANSI Type II specifications. 00 for every offense after that. The City may also post warning signs bearing a noise-limit symbol on arterial streets under § 20-126.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 80 dB(A), measured 15 feet from the vehicle, or causing excessive noise from a modified exhaust, revving, tire squeal or a blaring in-vehicle sound system violates §§ 20-122 and 20-123. Fines escalate under § 20-125(c): at least $50.00 for a first offense, $100.00 for a second, and $250.00 for every offense after that, proven with an ANSI-certified sound level meter and enforced by the Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Bend
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