Burlington, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

City Code § 219-2A lists per se noise violations that need no separate proof of unreasonableness once the act is shown. Paragraph (1) bans operating a motor vehicle so its tires squeal; paragraph (2) bans operating a vehicle without an adequate muffler, or with a defective one, such that exhaust makes an unreasonably loud noise; paragraph (3) bans revving an engine to high RPM to make an unreasonably loud noise whether the vehicle is moving or parked; paragraph (4) bans sounding a horn or other audible device for an unnecessary reason or an unreasonable duration or frequency; and paragraph (8) bans using compression brakes, known as jake brakes, except when reasonably necessary in an emergency or by emergency, fire, police or rescue vehicles.

Subsection B clarifies this list is not exclusive and does not limit the wider general prohibition in § 219-1, which separately bars any noise that is unreasonably loud, interferes with another's use of property, or unreasonably disturbs the comfort, repose or peace of anyone in the area, judged by an average person of normal sensitivities under § 219-1B. Chapter 219 was adopted wholesale on 11-1-2011 by Ord. No. 1936(13), repealing an earlier 2003 noise chapter, and § 219-3 exempts City-authorized public works vehicles, approved public events like ChocolateFest, emergency response activity, trains, aircraft and refuse collection vehicles from all of these prohibitions.