Alexandria, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 11-5-4(7) of the noise control code makes it unlawful to discharge the exhaust of any motor vehicle into the open air except through a muffler or other device that complies with Virginia Code § 46.2-1049, the state's muffler-and-noise-suppression statute for exhaust systems. This is the section the Alexandria Police Department cites against modified or straight-piped exhausts that vent without adequate sound suppression.

Section 11-5-4(1) separately restricts horns and other sound signal devices: sounding a horn on any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle on a city street or public place is unlawful except as a warning of danger or under a permit exemption in § 11-5-6. A more specific rule targets food-vendor vehicles: a sound signal device mounted on a vehicle, wagon or cart selling food or other items may not be sounded more than once every two minutes within a single city block, and no single sounding may last more than ten seconds, aimed at ice cream trucks and similar mobile vendors.

Both provisions sit within the broader definitions in § 11-5-2: a "sound signal device" is defined to include any klaxon, air horn, whistle, bell, gong or siren, but excludes emergency signal devices on authorized vehicles. Interstate motor carriers and medium/heavy trucks meeting federal noise standards, and not fitted with a defective, tampered or missing muffler, are exempt from Chapter 5 entirely under § 11-5-6(9).