Burien, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Burien Municipal Code § 9.105.410 sets the vehicle noise rules in the City of Burien, King County, Washington. Subsection (1) bars any person from causing, or allowing property in their possession to produce, a public disturbance noise, and subsection (2) lists examples. Four of those examples involve vehicles. First, the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of a horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle is barred, unless it is a warning of danger or is specifically permitted or required by law. Second, frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds from starting, operating, repairing, rebuilding or testing a motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine inside a residential district are barred when they unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of neighbors.

Third, a motor vehicle audio system, including tape players, radios and compact disc players, cannot be audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself. Fourth, squealing or screeching tires from rapid acceleration, braking or excessive speed around corners are barred, with an exemption for actions necessary to avoid danger. Subsection (2)(f) applies the same 50-foot distance to portable audio equipment that is not operated on the operator's own property. Trucks face a separate rule in Chapter 10.45 BMC: engine compression brakes cannot be used at any time on city streets by trucks or truck tractors unless the noise is effectively muffled, and public safety emergency vehicles are excepted.