Ankeny, IA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Ankeny Code of Ordinances § 44.05 lists specific sounds that automatically count as a "noise disturbance" prohibited citywide under § 44.04. Subsection 2 targets vehicle stereos: sound from an automobile or truck radio, tape deck or CD player is a violation any time it carries more than 50 feet from the vehicle, regardless of time of day. Subsection 5 separately bans the sound of an engine brake device on a diesel engine truck at all times, with no exception for daytime hours. Subsection 12 covers exhaust noise, prohibiting the sound of a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle whose exhaust system is defective or has been modified with a muffler cutout or bypass, again enforced at all times rather than only at night.

A companion Traffic Code section, § 62.07, separately makes it unlawful to operate an engine or compression brake that produces excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise anywhere in the City except in response to an imminent traffic accident, and treats an engine brake audible from 300 feet as prima facie evidence of a violation, carrying its own scheduled fine of $50. Under § 44.05, all of these vehicle-noise violations are declared simple misdemeanors punishable by a fine of at least $100 plus surcharge and court costs, and the City may instead charge them as municipal infractions under Chapter 4, with the peace officer choosing which enforcement track to pursue. Screeching or squealing tires are separately listed as a noise disturbance under subsection 16 of the same section, at all times.