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Boise, ID Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Muffler
required at all times, good repair
Jake brakes
banned citywide except emergencies
Stereo audibility
unlawful 100 ft from vehicle
Repeat muffler offense
misdemeanor within one year
Governing chapter
City Code Title 6, Ch. 17

Summary

Boise requires every vehicle to run a working muffler, bans muffler cutouts and jake brakes citywide, and separately makes a plainly audible car stereo a ticketable offense.

Muffler Required: Every motor vehicle operated within the City limits shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise and smoke.

B.   Noise Suppressing System: When any motor vehicle was originally equipped with a noise suppressing system or when any motor vehicle is required by law or regulation of this State or the Federal government to have a noise suppressing system, that system shall be maintained in good working order.

C.   Prohibitions: No person or owner shall:

1.   Operate or cause or permit to be operated a motor vehicle with a disconnected muffler system, or an exhaust or sound suppression system in disrepair.

2.   Modify or alter a motor vehicle's muffler system or its operation in any manner, except to conform to the manufacturer's specifications.

3.   Operate or cause or permit to be operated a motor vehicle with a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device engaged when that device is designed to divert exhaust noise away from a muffler or other noise suppressing system with the intent of amplifying or increasing noise. Whether operated manually or electronically, the device shall always remain in the closed position while the vehicle is in operation upon public streets or highways.

4.   Modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which amplifies or increases the noise of the motor vehicle above that emitted by the

Source: Idaho Code Title 49 Chapter 9View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-31: Code current through: Ord. 20-26, passed 6-9-2026).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 6-17-5 requires every motor vehicle operated in Boise to be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation, and bars disconnected mufflers, cutouts, bypass devices, or exhaust modifications that amplify noise beyond the manufacturer's original system. Separately, § 6-4-5 outlaws air compression ("jake") brakes within City limits except to prevent an accident, and § 5-7-3 makes it unlawful to run a car stereo or other amplification device that stays plainly audible inside another residence or 100 feet away on a public right-of-way.

Violations & Fines

First muffler offense is an infraction under § 6-17-8; a second violation within one year becomes a misdemeanor. Jake-brake and stereo violations are separate infractions under §§ 6-4-6 and 5-7-7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get cited for a loud aftermarket exhaust in Boise?
Yes. Modifying a muffler or exhaust system to amplify noise above the factory-installed system violates § 6-17-5(C): an infraction, and a misdemeanor if repeated within a year.
Are jake brakes illegal in Boise?
Yes. § 6-4-5 bans air compression ("jake") brakes citywide except when needed to prevent an accident; Fire Department vehicles are exempt.
How loud can my car stereo be in Boise?
§ 5-7-3 bars any stereo or amplification device that stays plainly audible inside another residence or from 100 feet away on a public street.

Sources & Official References

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