Leon County, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.
- Covered roadway
- Highway 27 North
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
- Enforcement
- County Sheriff's Office
- Exempt
- Fire/EMS vehicles, emergencies
Summary
Leon County bans unmuffled compression or exhaust engine brakes on Highway 27 North from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with a $500 civil fine per violation.
During the time period from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. eastern time, no person shall operate a motor vehicle using unmuffled compression or auxiliary exhaust brakes that when applied results in excessive, loud or explosive noise from such vehicle while driving the vehicle on Highway 27 North in the county.
(b) Exceptions. This section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Emergency situations. It shall be an affirmative defense that said compression or auxiliary exhaust brakes were applied in an emergency and were necessary for the protection of the person and/or property.
(2) Vehicles of any fire or emergency medical services department, whether or not responding to an emergency.
(c) Signs. The county public works department shall post, at reasonable locations within the boundaries of the county, visible and conspicuous signs stating "Unmuffled Compression or Auxiliary Exhaust Brakes Prohibited."
(d) Enforcement. The county sheriff's office is hereby authorized to enforce compliance with this article.
(e) Penalty. Violation of this section shall constitute a civil infraction and shall be punishable by a maximum fine of $500.00 per violation.
(Code 1992, § 17-2; Ord. No. 05-13, § 1, 4-12-2005)
Secs. 17-3—17-9. - Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12).
Full Breakdown
County ordinance targets diesel trucks and tractor-trailers using unmuffled "Jake brakes" that produce a loud, explosive crack. Between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. eastern time, operating a vehicle with unmuffled compression or auxiliary exhaust brakes that causes excessive, loud, or explosive noise is prohibited specifically on Highway 27 North. The county posts signs along the corridor stating the prohibition, and the sheriff's office enforces it. Emergency use is an affirmative defense, and fire/EMS vehicles are exempt outright.
Violations & Fines
Civil infraction, maximum $500 fine per violation; enforced by the Leon County Sheriff's Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to my truck's engine brake anywhere in the county?
Can I use my engine brake if muffled?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Leon County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Leon County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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