Albuquerque, NM Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo threshold
- Plainly audible at 25 feet
- Exhaust rule
- Cannot exceed factory noise level
- Muffler
- Must be attached and operating
- Banned devices
- Straight pipes, glass packs, steel packs
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
Summary
Albuquerque bans vehicle music or stereo sound plainly audible from 25 feet away, prohibits exhaust modifications that increase noise above factory levels, and requires every vehicle to run a properly working muffler.
It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to play or produce excessively loud sound or music in any vehicle operated on any public street in the city limits...including any magnifying sound instrument such as radios, stereos or so called "boom boxes." It shall be a violation of this section if any such sound is plainly audible twenty-five feet from the subject vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's Vehicle Nuisance Ordinance, playing radios, stereos, or "boom boxes" so loud they're plainly audible 25 feet from the vehicle is a violation, as is any exhaust modification that makes a vehicle louder than it was when manufactured. Separately, § 8-6-13 requires every vehicle to carry a properly attached, operating muffler and bans straight-through mufflers, glass packs, steel packs, and straight pipes that lack baffles. Albuquerque Police enforce both sections; violating the muffler statute is also a violation of the exhaust-modification rule. Fines run up to $500 per offense, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $500 and/or up to 90 days in jail per offense under the general penalty; each day of continued violation is a separate offense (§ 7-10-99; § 1-1-99).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a ticket for a loud car stereo in Albuquerque?
Are aftermarket exhausts illegal in Albuquerque?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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