Cary, NC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Loud driving noise
- Prohibited
- Stereo threshold
- Audible at 30 feet
- Business/political cap
- 60 dB(A) at pavement edge
- First offense penalty
- $100 civil penalty
Summary
Cary bans loud vehicle noise and car stereos audible 30 feet away, with a limited 60 dB(A) allowance for business or political sound equipment.
It shall be unlawful to operate or allow the operation of any motor vehicle in the town: (1) By engaging in operations which create unreasonably loud and disturbing noises, or (2) By playing any radio, tape player, compact disc player or other sound-making device or instrument from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible 30 feet away from the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Town of Cary Code § 22-108 makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in a way that creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noise, or to play a car radio, tape player, CD player, or other sound device from inside the vehicle loud enough to be plainly audible 30 feet away. A narrow exception lets business or political vehicles use sound equipment for their normal operations, capped at 60 dB(A) measured at the edge of the pavement. Violations of the Town's noise article carry an escalating civil penalty under Sec. 22-112, starting at $100 for a first offense.
Violations & Fines
A civil penalty starting at $100 for a first offense within a year, rising to $250, $500, $750, and $1,000 for repeat violations (Sec. 22-112).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited for a loud car stereo in Cary?
What about a loud exhaust or engine?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle vehicle noise.