Racine County, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Snowmobiles, dirt bikes, trail bikes
- Requirement
- Functioning muffler required
- Standard
- No unreasonable or excessive noise
- Other vehicles
- Highway cars governed by state law
Summary
Racine County requires a functioning muffler on snowmobiles, dirt bikes and other recreational vehicles, and bans operating them in a way that creates unreasonable or excessive combustion noise.
No person shall operate a snow vehicle, or any other recreational vehicle such as a dirt bike or trail bike, without a functioning muffler or in such a manner so as to create unreasonable or excessive combustion noise. (Code 1975, § 12.032) Cross reference(s)—Schedule of deposits for violation of the provisions in this section, § 5-3. State law reference(s)—Similar provisions, W.S.A., §§ 347.39, 350.09(6).
Secs. 13-28—13-50. Reserved.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 33).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 13-27 requires a functioning muffler on any snow vehicle or other recreational vehicle, such as a dirt bike or trail bike, operated in Racine County, and bars running one in a manner that creates unreasonable or excessive combustion noise. The rule targets off-road and snow vehicles specifically; the code cross-references state statutes (W.S.A. §§ 347.39, 350.09(6)) covering mufflers on standard highway vehicles separately. Enforcement runs through the sheriff's department, with violations handled under the county's standard stipulation/deposit schedule referenced in § 5-3.
Violations & Fines
Riding a snowmobile, dirt bike or trail bike in Racine County without a working muffler, or so loudly it creates excessive combustion noise, violates Sec. 13-27 and can draw a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dirt bikes need a muffler in Racine County?
Does this rule cover my car's exhaust?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Racine County
Compare Racine County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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