Modified exhaust, loud car stereos, and unnecessary horn use are prohibited under Buffalo Code Chapter 293 and NY Vehicle and Traffic Law section 375(31). Police may issue equipment tickets for exhaust modifications and noise violations, with fines from $150 to $1,000 under the 2022 NY SLEEP Act.
Buffalo applies both local Chapter 293 vehicle-noise provisions and state law. NY Vehicle and Traffic Law section 375(31) requires all motor vehicles to have an adequate muffler and prohibits exhaust systems modified to amplify sound. The 2022 Stop Loud and Excessive Exhaust Pollution (SLEEP) Act raised fines to $1,000 for modified exhausts producing excessive noise. Buffalo Police enforce loud-stereo violations particularly along Delaware Avenue, Main Street, and Elmwood Avenue corridors. Horn use is limited to warning signals only. Constant idling is separately restricted under NY Environmental Conservation Law for vehicles over 8,500 pounds (5 minute limit in most cases).
Exhaust violation: up to $1,000 under SLEEP Act. Loud stereo: $150-$300. Unnecessary horn: $50-$150.
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