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Billings, MT Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Distance threshold
50 feet or more
First offense
$300 civil penalty
Repeat offense (24 mo)
$500 civil penalty
Covers
exhaust, revving, tire squealing, stereo bass
Adopted
April 13, 2026 (Ord. 26-5927)

Summary

Billings prohibits motor vehicles from making noise plainly audible 50 feet or more away, covering loud exhaust, engine revving, tire squealing, and amplified stereo bass: a citation carries a $300 fine.

(a)It is unlawful for any person to operate, or cause to be operated, a motor vehicle that produces unreasonable noise as defined in this chapter.(b)It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle:(1)With a muffler, exhaust, or noise-suppression device that violates MCA 61-9-403, 61-9-418, or 61-9-435; or(2)With any device, modification, or equipment designed or used to increase noise output beyond the vehicle's original manufacturer specifications, except as permitted by state law.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 24-355, it's unlawful to operate a motor vehicle that produces noise plainly audible, including bass reverberation, at 50 feet or more, covering amplified music, exhaust noise, engine revving, and tire squealing. Section 24-355(b) separately bans mufflers or exhaust systems that violate state equipment standards, or any modification built to boost noise beyond factory specs. Officers weigh time of day, proximity to homes, schools, or hospitals, and whether equipment has been altered. A first citation under Sec. 24-358 carries a $300 civil penalty, rising to $500 for each repeat violation within 24 months. If the driver can't be identified, the registered owner is presumed responsible.

Violations & Fines

First offense: $300 civil penalty. Repeat violations within 24 months: $500 each. Issued as a municipal infraction; registered owner presumed responsible if driver unidentified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get cited for a loud stereo in Billings?
Yes. If amplified music or bass is plainly audible 50 feet or more from your vehicle, it counts as unreasonable noise under Sec. 24-355 and can draw a $300 citation.
Does Billings require a specific muffler?
The city bans mufflers or exhaust modifications that violate Montana's state equipment standards (MCA 61-9-403, 61-9-418, 61-9-435) or that boost noise beyond factory specs.
How much is the fine for a second violation?
$500 if it occurs within 24 months of the first citation under Sec. 24-358: first offenses are $300.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Billings rules

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