Burleson, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Burleson Code of Ordinances § 34-191(d)(2) lists vehicle noises that count as unreasonable noise. Paragraph e covers horns and signal devices: the continued or frequent sounding of any horn, air horn or signal device on any vehicle except as a danger or warning signal, and the creation by a signal device of an unreasonably loud or harsh noise for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time. Paragraph f covers operation of motor vehicles: the revving of any engine, the playing of any music with such volume or bass, or the operation of any vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such a manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, jarring, rattling or squealing noise or vibrations.

Paragraph h is the muffler rule: the discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or boat engine is prohibited except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises. Paragraph n bars parking or storing, between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., any motor vehicle with a motor affixed left in operation for a period in excess of one hour within 200 feet of any dwelling.

Outside the noise article, § 78-3 makes it unlawful to accelerate or race the motor of a vehicle from a sudden start or stop so as to cause a loud noise in a manner calculated to disturb the persons present, and to bring a motor vehicle to a sudden start or stop when no necessity for the protection of another person, the driver or property exists, in a manner calculated to disturb the persons present.

No decibel level is required to enforce the vehicle provisions of § 34-191(d)(1). Subsection (e)(5) exempts airport, railway and vehicular transportation engaged in their traditional and customary operations, and paragraph j covers excessive noise on a street adjacent to a school or hospital when conspicuous signs identify it as a school or hospital street.