Arlington, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- City decibel limit
- None (state law applies)
- Governing section
- Nuisance Ch. Sec. 2.03(M)
- State standard
- Penal Code Sec. 42.01(a)(5)
- Presumption
- Unreasonable above 85 dB after warning
- Max fine
- $500 per day
Summary
Arlington sets no municipal decibel or distance limit for car stereos or vehicle sound systems. Loud vehicle audio is enforced as "unreasonable noise" under the city's Nuisance Chapter, which adopts Texas Penal Code Section 42.01(a)(5).
M. Noise.
1. The keeping of any animal or bird which, by causing frequent or long-continued noise disturbs the peace and quiet of persons in the neighborhood or the occupants of adjacent premises who have and possess normal nervous sensibilities.
2. Any condition prohibited by the Texas Penal Code, Section 42.01(a)(5), as amended.
Full Breakdown
Arlington's single noise rule is Nuisance Chapter Section 2.03(M), which prohibits animal noise and "any condition prohibited by the Texas Penal Code, Section 42.01(a)(5)." The city fixes no boom-car decibel ceiling and no plainly-audible-at-a-set-distance standard for vehicle sound equipment. A car stereo becomes an offense when it is unreasonable noise in public or near a residence the driver has no right to occupy. Under Penal Code Section 42.01(c), noise is presumed unreasonable once it exceeds 85 decibels after a peace officer or magistrate notifies the driver the noise is a public nuisance. Arlington police and Code Compliance enforce it.
Violations & Fines
Each day of a violation is a separate misdemeanor, fined up to $500 under Nuisance Chapter Section 3.02(A). A warning from an officer or magistrate triggers the 85-decibel unreasonable-noise presumption before a citation is written.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arlington have a decibel limit for car stereos?
What is the penalty for a loud vehicle in Arlington?
Who enforces vehicle noise in Arlington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle vehicle noise.