Bloomington, MN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Vehicle noise is covered by several items in the presumptive public nuisance list in § 10.30(b) of the Bloomington City Code.

Exhaust is § 10.30(b)(8). Under (A), the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor boat or motor vehicle must go through a properly working muffler or other device that is in constant operation and effectively prevents loud or explosive engine noises. The full text adds that the muffler must blend exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise and prevent excessive or unusual noise such as sharp popping or crackling sounds. Under (B), mufflers of the type commonly known as Hollywood mufflers, and any muffler cutout, bypass or similar device, are not permitted on vehicles operated within the city.

Engine-braking is § 10.30(b)(11). The use of a compression engine brake in non-emergency situations to slow an internal combustion engine powered motor vehicle on city streets or highways is prohibited when the vehicle lacks an exhaust muffler in good working order or another device that is effective in preventing loud engine roaring, staccato popping or growling. The code defines a compression engine brake as a braking system that removes portions of the engine's compression from service by exhausting compressed gasses from the cylinders, creating a loud roar or growling sound.

Subsection (b)(9) covers noisy operation. It reaches the non-emergency use of any automobile, motorcycle, scooter, recreational vehicle or other motor vehicle that, by its out-of-repair condition, manner of loading or manner of operation, creates loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, squealing of tires, rattling or other noise likely to disturb a reasonable person of ordinary sensibilities. Subsection (b)(10) reaches loud and excessive noise from loading, unloading or unpacking a vehicle, and (b)(1) covers continual horn sounding for at least 15 seconds, except as a danger warning.

Vehicle stereos fall under (b)(3): sound audible from a distance of 50 feet or five motor vehicle lengths.

Section 10.29.01 adopts Minnesota Rules parts 7030.1000 through 7030.1060 by reference for motor vehicle noise limits, and Minnesota Rules part 6100.5700, subpart 5 for snowmobile noise limits. Section 10.29.07(a) sends recreational motor vehicles to Chapter 8, Article III, Division D. Section 10.31(a) exempts authorized emergency vehicles, including police and fire vehicles, ambulances and snowplowing vehicles.