Washington County, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Washington County Code § 172-7B(4) bars discharging the exhaust of any internal combustion engine or motor boat into the open air except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises. The same section's Subsection B(1) limits horn and signaling-device use: sounding a horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle on a street or public place for longer than three seconds within any one-minute period is a violation unless it is a danger warning.

Separately, § 172-20, Disorderly conduct with vehicle, makes it a forfeiture offense to make or cause any unreasonable noise on a street or highway that disturbs or tends to disturb the peace and quiet of a person nearby by squealing a vehicle's tires or causing loud, unnecessary acceleration, and it separately penalizes operating a vehicle so as to throw dirt, stones, rubber or other debris onto a person or property, or in a way that creates an unreasonable risk on the roadway. Unlike the general Chapter 172 penalty, § 172-20B sets its own cap: any person violating this section forfeits not more than $200, plus costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment, faces County Jail time not exceeding 90 days. The muffler and horn rules under § 172-7 instead carry the Chapter 1 General Penalty of $10 to $2,000, enforced under § 172-23.