Battle Creek, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Vehicle noise in the City of Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan, is handled inside the city's noise control section, § 652.07, rather than in a separate chapter. Three paragraphs of subsection (b) reach vehicles.

Paragraph (b)(11) targets car stereos. It prohibits operating, or permitting the operation of, an electronically amplified sound system in or about a parked or moving motor vehicle, motorcycle or moped so as to produce sound plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the vehicle between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., or plainly audible at twenty-five feet from the vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of the following day. The words 'parked or moving' mean a stationary vehicle in a driveway or parking lot is covered the same as one on the road, and the words 'or permitting' reach an owner who lets someone else run the system. The paragraph does not apply to an authorized emergency vehicle sounding an audible signal in conformity with applicable law.

Paragraph (b)(7) addresses exhaust. Discharging the exhaust of a stationary internal combustion engine or motor vehicle into the open air is prohibited unless it goes through a muffler or other device which effectively prevents loud or explosive noises.

Paragraph (b)(1) covers horns and signal devices on any automobile, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle. Sounding one while the vehicle is not in motion is barred except as a danger signal when another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control. In motion, a horn is allowed only as a danger signal as brakes are applied. Creating an unreasonably loud or harsh sound, or sounding the device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time, is also listed.

Under subsection (c)(1), the noise provisions are not enforced against a police or fire vehicle of the City or an ambulance while engaged in necessary public emergency business.