Bloomfield, NJ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Horn rule
- Horn only as a danger warning; § 380-6B(2)
- Intersection horn ban
- 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. at traffic-light intersections, § 380-6B(16)
- Exhaust
- Open-air exhaust only through an effective muffler, § 380-6B(8)
- Vehicle condition
- No loud grating, grinding or rattling noise, § 380-6B(9)
- Sound trucks
- Stationary only, with a Township Council permit, § 380-3
- Maximum fine
- $2,000 under § 1-15A, via § 380-7
Summary
In Bloomfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey, Bloomfield Township Code § 380-6B bars unnecessary horn use, engine exhaust without an effective muffler, vehicles so out of repair or loaded that they rattle or grind, and horn use at signalized intersections between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Township Council also regulates sound trucks.
(2) The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any vehicle, except as a danger warning, or the sounding of any horn or signaling device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time in times of traffic holdups, or the use of any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust. ... (8) The discharge into open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motor vehicle or other engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom. (9) The use of any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. ... (16) The sounding of any horn or signal device on any vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., prevailing time, at any street intersection within the Township where there is a traffic light signal, except in the case of an emergency, or the sounding of any railroad horn or whistle between such hours at any railroad grade crossing within the Township where there are crossing gates.
Full Breakdown
Vehicle noise in Bloomfield Township is handled inside Chapter 380, Noise. Section 380-6A makes it unlawful to make, continue or cause any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise within the Township limits, and § 380-6B then lists acts declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises. The list is stated not to be a limitation or exclusive, so a vehicle noise that is not named can still violate § 380-6A.
Four items in § 380-6B cover vehicles directly. Item (2) prohibits sounding any horn or signaling device on any vehicle except as a danger warning, sounding one for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time in traffic holdups, and using any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust. Item (8) prohibits discharging the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motor vehicle or other engine into the open air except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises. Item (9) prohibits using any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. Item (16) is a time-based rule: no sounding of a horn or signal device on any vehicle between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., prevailing time, at any street intersection in the Township with a traffic light signal, except in an emergency, and the same hours apply to railroad horns or whistles at grade crossings with crossing gates.
Vehicle sound systems fall under § 380-1B, which treats operation of a radio or similar device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner plainly audible at 100 feet from the vehicle, among other places, as prima facie evidence of a violation. Sound trucks are covered by § 380-3: a sound truck, loudspeaker or sound amplifier on the public streets is unlawful unless the vehicle stays in a stationary position, standing or parked, and the operator first obtains a permit from the Township Council.
Every violation is punished through § 380-7 under the general penalty in § 1-15.
Violations & Fines
Under § 380-7, a conviction for any Chapter 380 violation is punished as provided in § 1-15. Section 1-15A allows a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, community service not exceeding 90 days, or any combination. Under § 1-15C each day a violation continues is a separate offense unless otherwise provided, which matters for a vehicle left running in violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it illegal to honk a horn in Bloomfield Township?
Does a loud muffler violate the Bloomfield Township noise code?
Can I play my car stereo loudly at night in Bloomfield Township?
Are sound trucks allowed in Bloomfield Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomfield
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