Annapolis, MD Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard adopted
- COMAR 11.14.07.02–.12
- Enforced by
- Police Chief or Planning Director
- Warning notice
- Not required before citation
- Repeat offense
- Next-highest fine tier applies
Summary
Annapolis adopts Maryland's COMAR 11.14.07.02 through .12 as the City's own Motor Vehicle Noise Standards, covering exhaust, muffler and general vehicle noise, enforced through the City's noise ordinance with municipal-infraction fines and no required warning.
3.Motor vehicle noise. Code of Maryland Regulations 11.14.07.02 through 11.14.07.12 are hereby adopted as the Motor Vehicle Noise Standards of the City of Annapolis.C.Prohibited. The following are prohibited from being used in the City:1.A combustion engine-powered, handheld, backpack, or walk-behind leaf blower or leaf vacuum as of December 30, 2024;2.High-frequency sound emitters designed for animal or pet deterrence.D.Fines. A violation of this section shall subject violators to fines in accordance with Section 11.12.120 of this title and the annual Fines Schedule found in the City Code appendices. (Ord. O-44-07 § 1, 2007: Ord. O-1-99 § 1 (part): Ord. O-49-90 § 1 (part): Ord. O-32-88 § 1; prior code § 17-15)
(Ord. No. O-36-18, § I, 10-8-2018; Ord. No. O-28-23, § I, 2-12-2024)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 11.12.020(B)(3), Annapolis incorporates Code of Maryland Regulations 11.14.07.02 through 11.14.07.12 directly into City law as its Motor Vehicle Noise Standards, so a loud exhaust, muffler modification or excessive vehicle noise is enforced as a City violation, not just a state one. Enforcement runs through § 11.12.120(B): the Director of Planning and Zoning, the Police Chief, or their designees may cite without first issuing a warning, and each repeat offense by the same person or vehicle owner is cited at the next-highest fine tier under the City's annual Fines Schedule.
Violations & Fines
Municipal infraction with a fine set by the annual Fines Schedule; no warning notice is required before the first citation, and repeat offenses by the same individual or owner escalate to the next-highest fine tier under § 11.12.120(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Annapolis have its own limit for loud mufflers and exhausts, or does it just use Maryland's rule?
Can I be cited a second time for the same loud vehicle without a warning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Annapolis
Compare Annapolis to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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