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Anchorage, AK Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Daytime limit
85 dBA at 50 feet
Nighttime residential limit
75 dBA, 8pm-8am
Muffler cutouts
Prohibited
New vehicle sales cap
85 dBA at 50 feet

Summary

Anchorage requires a working muffler on every motor vehicle and caps noise at 85 dBA, dropping to 75 dBA overnight in residential areas.

Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler and tight exhaust system in good working order... No person may use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a vehicle nor may any person modify or change the exhaust muffler... in a manner such that the noise emitted by the motor vehicle is increased above that emitted by the motor vehicle as originally manufactured... no person may operate a motor vehicle... with a noise level in excess of 85 dBA at 50 feet... no person may operate a motor vehicle in a residential area after 8:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. with a noise level in excess of 75 dBA at 50 feet.

Source: Alaska Statutes AS 28.35 Vehicle EquipmentView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).

Full Breakdown

AMC 9.44.330 bans muffler cutouts, bypasses, and any exhaust modification that raises a vehicle's noise above factory levels. It sets a hard 85 dBA limit at 50 feet from the travel lane or nearest property line, tightening to 75 dBA between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in residential areas. New vehicles sold in the municipality can't exceed 85 dBA either. The police department measures noise and can offer courtesy compliance testing before citing a driver.

Violations & Fines

Traffic infraction cited by the Anchorage Police Department; officers use dBA meter readings taken at 50 feet to establish a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a straight-pipe or aftermarket exhaust in Anchorage?
No. AMC 9.44.330 bars any exhaust or muffler change that raises noise above the vehicle's original factory level.
What's the loudest my car can legally be at night?
75 dBA measured at 50 feet in residential areas between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., versus 85 dBA during the day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anchorage

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Anchorage rules

Compare Anchorage to another location·View the Alaska noise ordinances overview

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