Bellingham, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo limit
- not audible past 50 feet
- Compression (Jake) brakes
- banned citywide
- Exception
- municipal/district fire apparatus only
- Horn/siren
- no frequent, repetitive use
- Stereo penalty basis
- Rule 6.2 infraction assessment
Summary
Bellingham makes it unlawful to run a car stereo audible beyond 50 feet or to use compression engine brakes (Jake brakes) on any motor vehicle within city limits, with a narrow exception for emergency fire apparatus.
A. It is unlawful for any person to operate or maintain a motor vehicle audio sound system, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, at a volume so as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself. B. It is unlawful for any person to operate a horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle in a frequent, repetitive, or continuous manner, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-06-015, passed June 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
BMC 11.15.400 bars operating a motor vehicle audio system, tape players, radios, CD players, at a volume audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle, and separately bars sounding a horn or siren in a frequent, repetitive, or continuous manner except as a danger warning. BMC 11.72.465, in the vehicle equipment chapter, separately makes it unlawful for anyone other than a municipal or district fire department to use motor vehicle brakes activated by engine compression, an outright citywide ban on Jake brakes, not merely a noise-level standard. Together the two sections cover stereo, horn, and engine-brake noise from ordinary Bellingham street traffic.
Violations & Fines
Both sections are civil infractions. BMC 11.15.400 is penalized under Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Rule 6.2 for unlisted infractions, plus statutory assessments; BMC 11.72.465 sets no separate fine in the code text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play loud music from my car stereo in Bellingham?
Are Jake brakes (engine compression brakes) legal in Bellingham?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bellingham
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