Auburn, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- ACC 8.28.010(B)(1)(2)(7)(10)
- Distance test
- Audible more than 25 feet from vehicle
- Nighttime presumption
- 10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays, 10 p.m.-9 a.m. Sundays
- First-offense penalty
- Civil penalty up to $250
- Repeat penalty
- Up to $500 within two years
- Third-strike consequence
- Misdemeanor under ACC 1.24.010
- Enforcing agency
- Auburn Police Department
Summary
Auburn bans frequent or continuous horn and siren sounds except danger warnings, disruptive engine starting, repair, rebuilding or testing noise in residential districts, tire squealing from rapid acceleration or braking, and nonemergency vehicle sounds audible past 25 feet that repeatedly annoy two or more neighbors, especially between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Auburn police enforce these public disturbance noise rules under ACC 8.28.010(B).
1. The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law; 2. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or occupants of real property; ... 7. The squealing, screeching or other such sounds from motor vehicle tires in contact with the ground or other roadway surface because of rapid acceleration, braking or excessive speed around corners; provided, that sounds which result from actions necessary to avoid danger shall be exempt from this section; ... 10. Continuing and/or ongoing sounds from nonemergency motor vehicles audible more than 25 feet away from the vehicle located on or in the vicinity of residential property, which sounds reasonably cause the annoyance or disturbance of two or more neighbors not residing at the same address.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010(B) lists specific vehicle sounds classified as public disturbance noise. Subsection (1) bars frequent, repetitive or continuous horn or siren sounding unless it warns of danger or is legally required. Subsection (2) targets starting, operating, repairing, rebuilding or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district when it unreasonably disturbs neighbors peace and comfort. Subsection (7) prohibits tire squealing, screeching or similar sounds caused by rapid acceleration, braking or excessive cornering speed, though sounds from actions necessary to avoid danger are exempt.
Subsection (10) addresses ongoing nonemergency vehicle sounds, including engine, horn, and hydraulic or air brake noise, audible more than 25 feet from the vehicle near residential property, when they annoy two or more neighbors at different addresses. on Sundays, are presumed to be a public disturbance, rebuttable only by proof the noise stemmed from an unforeseen emergency. Enforcement runs through the Auburn Police Department and Code Enforcement. 010.
Violations & Fines
First violations of Auburn vehicle noise rules draw a civil penalty up to $250; a second violation within two years raises the penalty to as much as $500. If the same violator racks up three or more separate violations at the same location within a 12-month span, any further violation becomes a misdemeanor prosecuted under ACC 1.24.010, not just a civil infraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited for revving my engine at night in Auburn?
Is honking my horn ever legal in Auburn?
What happens on a third noise violation at my address?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
Compare Auburn to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle vehicle noise.