Bozeman, MT Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler
- Required, in good working order and constant operation
- Muffler cutout
- Unlawful on any street
- Horn audibility
- Must be audible from 200 feet or more
- Horn use
- Only as a reasonable warning
- Chapter 36 penalty
- Fine up to $100.00, up to 30 days, or both
- Noise article, first offense
- Fine up to $500.00 or six months, or both
Summary
In the City of Bozeman, Montana, a motor vehicle on a street must carry a muffler in good working order and in constant operation, and using a muffler cutout is unlawful. Horn abuse, defective vehicles that rattle or grind, and disturbing car stereos are covered by separate sections.
A.No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a street unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke.B.It is unlawful to use a muffler cutout on any motor vehicle on a street.
Full Breakdown
Section 36.03.200 of the Bozeman Municipal Code bars anyone from driving a motor vehicle on a street unless it has a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke, and it makes any use of a muffler cutout on a street unlawful. Section 36.03.010 adds that driving a vehicle equipped in violation of that section is a misdemeanor.
Horns are handled in section 36.03.020. Every motor vehicle needs a horn that can be heard from 200 feet or more, but it is unlawful to use a horn other than as a reasonable warning or to make any unnecessary or unreasonable continued loud or offensive sound with a horn or other warning device. A vehicle cannot be equipped with a siren, bell, musical horn or whistle except as that section and the sections it names provide.
The city's noise article in chapter 16 reaches the rest. Section 16.06.050.A.4 makes it unlawful to operate any truck, trailer, automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair or so loaded as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noises. Section 16.06.050.A.1 covers a radio, boombox or other sound device used so as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any normally sensitive and reasonable person, which is the test for a car stereo. In areas zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-O, RMH, R-S or PLI, section 16.06.060.A adds a ban on sounding a horn or signaling device except as a warning signal and on discharging exhaust except through a muffler or device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises. The one decibel figure in the article, 60dB(A), applies to nighttime construction operations, not to vehicles.
Violations & Fines
A muffler or cutout violation is a chapter 36 offense: section 36.02.030.A allows a fine not exceeding $100.00, up to 30 days in the city jail, or both. Violating the chapter 16 noise article carries higher penalties under section 16.06.100: a first offense up to $500.00 or six months in the county jail or both, then a minimum fine of $100.00 for a second offense within one year, rising to $200.00, $350.00 and $500.00 for later offenses. The chief of police and the director of community development enforce it and can seek voluntary compliance by warning, notice or education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud exhaust illegal in Bozeman?
Does Bozeman set a decibel limit for car stereos?
When can I honk my horn in Bozeman?
Who enforces vehicle noise rules in Bozeman?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
Compare Bozeman to another location·View the Montana noise ordinances overview
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