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Allentown, PA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
Allentown Art. 710.03(C)(12)
Muffler rule
Working muffler required; no cutout or bypass
Idling limit
15 min/hour within 150 ft of residential area
Horn use
Only when absolutely necessary as a warning while driving
Sound trucks
Barred across boundaries or 9 P.M.-7 A.M.

Summary

Article 710.03(C)(12) requires every motor vehicle to have a working muffler with no cutout or bypass, bars idling longer than 15 minutes per hour within 150 feet of a residential area, restricts horn use to genuine warnings, and prohibits sound trucks across property boundaries or between 9 P.M. and 7 A.M.

(a) Exhaust system. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a muffler or other effective noise suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device so as to cause a noise disturbance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4995055; v49 updated 2026-06-26; through 06-26-2026).

Full Breakdown

03(C)(12) of the Noise Control ordinance (Chapter 400). ' Subsection (b) prohibits operating a stationary vehicle or its auxiliary equipment 'for a period longer than fifteen (15) minutes in any hour' (excluding traffic congestion) on a public way within 150 feet of a residential area. on public ways. Subsection (e) prohibits in-vehicle sound-amplifying systems causing a disturbance on public ways, except to request assistance or warn of hazard, and exempts authorized emergency vehicles. section 4523).

Violations & Fines

$100 violation ticket per offense (Article 710.99(A)(7)); summary conviction fine $100 to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days (710.99(A)(9)). Modified-exhaust and idling violations are commonly cited alongside 75 Pa.C.S. section 4523.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a modified or cutout exhaust legal in Allentown?
No. Article 710.03(C)(12)(a) requires a working muffler and prohibits any cutout, bypass, or similar device that causes a noise disturbance; the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S. section 4523) imposes a parallel requirement.
How long can a truck idle near homes?
No longer than 15 minutes in any hour, for reasons other than traffic congestion, when stationary on a public way within 150 feet of a residential area, under Article 710.03(C)(12)(b).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Allentown

Quiet HoursHeavy RestrictionsConstruction HoursHeavy RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundHeavy RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew RestrictionsData Centers & Crypto Mining: Data Center Noise LimitsSignificant Restrictions

All Allentown rules

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