Cambridge, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Horn rule
- No unreasonably loud or unnecessary sounding
- Repair/testing threshold
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- Governing sections
- §§ 8.16.080.A, 8.16.080.G
- Fine per violation
- $300 per day
Summary
Cambridge bans unreasonably loud vehicle horns and signalling devices, and bars repairing, rebuilding or testing a motor vehicle, motorcycle or motorboat when plainly audible 50 feet away, under Municipal Code §§ 8.16.080.A and 8.16.080.G.
A.Horns, Signalling Devices, Etc. The sounding of any horn or signalling device on any automobile, motorcycle, street car or other vehicle on any street or public place of the City, except as a danger warning; the creation by means of any such signalling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time... G.Vehicle or Motorboat Repairs and Testing. Repairing, rebuilding, modifying, or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorboat in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from the lot line of the lot on which said activity is located, or within a noise sensitive zone.
Full Breakdown
Section 8.16.080.A prohibits sounding a horn or signalling device on a vehicle in the street or a public place except as a danger warning, creating 'any unreasonably loud or harsh sound' with such a device, sounding it for an unnecessary or unreasonable period, or using any horn, whistle or device 'operated by engine exhaust,' as well as honking to protest a traffic holdup. Section 8.16.080.G separately bars 'repairing, rebuilding, modifying, or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorboat' in a manner plainly audible 50 feet from the lot line, or within a noise sensitive zone. Neither provision turns on a decibel reading; both use the plainly-audible or unreasonably-loud standard applied throughout Section 8.16.080's list of non-measured noise disturbances. Emergency vehicles and non-commercial public speaking on public space are exempt from the section generally, and a source can seek a special variance from the License Commission under Section 8.16.090.B if compliance would create an unreasonable hardship.
Violations & Fines
A violation of either the horn provision or the vehicle-repair provision draws a $300-per-day citation under G.L. c. 40 § 21D, or a misdemeanor charge with a $300 fine on conviction under Section 8.16.040(C). Enforcement officials, the Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of Inspectional Services, or the License Commission chair, may also order remedial steps, seek a court injunction against the noise source, or suspend a related permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to honk your horn in traffic in Cambridge?
Can I get cited for revving a car engine while doing repairs at home?
Are exhaust whistles or engine-exhaust horns legal in Cambridge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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How other cities in this county handle vehicle noise.