Bethlehem, PA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo audibility limit
- 40 feet from vehicle
- Muffler requirement
- no cutout or bypass devices
- Noise standard
- 67 Pa. Code § 157.11
- First offense fine
- $50 to $100
- Repeat offense
- $500 fine or 30 days jail
- Enforcing agency
- Bethlehem Police Department
Summary
Bethlehem's traffic code bans car stereos audible more than 40 feet away, requires every motor vehicle to run a working muffler with no cutout or bypass, and caps overall vehicle noise at the state's Title 67 sound limits. The Police Department enforces Article 509, with fines climbing to $500 or 30 days in jail for repeat offenders.
The making of unnecessary noise, by or from a motor vehicle upon, near or adjacent to the streets or other public places in the City by horns, engine whistles, bells, sirens, radios, amplifying systems or otherwise, is declared to be a public nuisance. Prohibited conduct shall include, but not be limited to the following: (1) No person shall operate or allow to be operated a radio, stereo, boom box, tape and/or CD player or any other type of sound reproduction device at a sound level which is audible at a distance of greater than forty (40) feet from the location of such motor vehicle. (2) No person shall operate or allow to be operated a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is equipped with a muffler or other effective noise suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation. Further, no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device so as to cause unnecessary noise.
Full Breakdown
03 of the Codified Ordinances declares unnecessary vehicle noise from horns, radios, amplifying systems and similar sources a public nuisance on or near Bethlehem streets. Three numbered prohibitions do the real work: a stereo, boom box or CD player cannot be audible beyond 40 feet from the vehicle; every vehicle must run a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and constant operation, and the exhaust cannot carry a cutout, bypass or similar device installed to increase noise; and no vehicle or attached equipment may emit sound on a public right-of-way exceeding the limits fixed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 67 Pa.
11. (a special permit from the Community and Economic Development Director allows later work); and emergency alert sounds. S. Sound-level measurements must follow PennDOT's Title 67, Chapter 157 calibration procedures. 01.
Violations & Fines
Section 509.99 sets a graduated fine schedule for any Article 509 violation: a first offense draws $50 to $100; a second offense within the enforcement period draws $100 to $300; a third or subsequent offense draws a fine of at least $500, or thirty days imprisonment, or both. Citations are issued by Bethlehem Police officers who observe or receive complaints about the noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo legally be in Bethlehem?
Are modified exhausts illegal in Bethlehem?
What happens if I get cited more than once for vehicle noise?
Does the noise ban apply to fire trucks or ambulances?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bethlehem
Compare Bethlehem to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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