Vehicle noise in Bethlehem is regulated mainly by Pennsylvania state law, principally 75 Pa.C.S. Section 4523 (mufflers and excessive noise) and 75 Pa.C.S. Section 4525 (vehicle sound systems). Bethlehem's Section 717.01(a)(1) 40-foot plainly-audible rule reaches car stereos as a parallel municipal charge.
Bethlehem does not maintain a city-specific muffler or exhaust ordinance. Vehicle noise on city streets is regulated by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. 75 Pa.C.S. Section 4523 requires every motor vehicle to have a muffler in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise and bars cutouts and bypasses. 75 Pa.C.S. Section 4525 governs vehicle sound systems. Enforcement is by Bethlehem Police and the Pennsylvania State Police. Section 717.01(a)(1)'s 40-foot plainly-audible rule reaches car stereos as a parallel municipal charge. Emergency, municipal, and utility vehicles are exempt under Section 717.01(b)(1) and (b)(2).
Modified-exhaust and muffler violations charge under 75 Pa.C.S. Section 4523 as a Vehicle Code summary offense. Car stereos audible beyond 40 feet charge under Section 717.99: $50-$100 first, $100-$300 second, $500 or 30 days for third.
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