Bloomington, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler rule
- Suitable, efficient muffler or baffle required
- Cutout ban
- No cut-out/removed muffler without mayor's OK
- Stereo threshold
- Audible 30+ feet is prima facie violation
- First fine
- $50 written finding
- Enforcement
- Bloomington Police Department
- Appeal window
- 7 days to board of public works
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, driving with a cut-out or removed muffler is a violation of Bloomington Municipal Code § 14.09.030(c)(1), and playing a car stereo loud enough to be clearly audible thirty feet from the vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation under § 14.09.030(c)(3). The Bloomington Police Department enforces both, with fines starting at fifty dollars and climbing for repeat offenses.
(1)It shall be a violation of this chapter to operate a motor vehicle with an internal combustion, steam or air motor unless the motor vehicle is equipped with a suitable and efficient muffler or baffle. A muffler or baffle shall be considered suitable and efficient, for purposes of this chapter, when the vehicle does not create unreasonable noise. ... no person while on a public or private highway, street or road shall operate a motor vehicle with the muffler or baffle cut out or removed. ... (3)It shall be a violation of this chapter to play, use, or operate or allow to be played, used, or operated in any motor vehicle any radio, television, digital media player, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, musical instrument, or any other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound at a volume that is louder than necessary for the convenient hearing of persons who are inside the vehicle within which such device is played, used or operated. Sound that is clearly audible thirty feet or more from the vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
030(c)(1) requires every motor vehicle with an internal combustion, steam, or air motor to run a suitable and efficient muffler or baffle, one that keeps the vehicle from creating unreasonable noise. Cutting out or removing the muffler is illegal on any public or private street unless the mayor or a designated representative has specifically authorized it, and no cutout can be wired so the driver or a passenger can switch it on or off from inside the vehicle. 030(c)(3) separately covers in-car sound systems: playing a radio, loudspeaker, or any similar device at a volume louder than necessary for people inside the vehicle to hear it conveniently is a violation, and sound clearly audible thirty feet or more from the vehicle is prima facie evidence that the driver crossed the line.
030(c)(2), banning their use for any unreasonable length of time except as a warning. 040, for construction, emergency vehicles, or permitted events, apply to ordinary street driving.
Violations & Fines
Section 14.09.070 makes a first written finding of violation a fifty-dollar penalty, a second violation within twelve months one hundred dollars, and any further violation in that period five hundred dollars, with each day of a continuing violation counted separately. Officers can issue a warning instead of a citation the first time, and appeals of a written finding go to the board of public works within seven days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to remove my car's muffler in Bloomington?
How loud can I play music in my car?
What's the penalty for a loud exhaust or stereo ticket?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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