Wake County Code §92.05(B), (C), (F) prohibits vehicle exhaust noise from out-of-repair or modified vehicles, gong/siren on non-emergency vehicles, and any internal combustion exhaust without effective muffler. NCGS §20-128 also requires muffler compliance statewide.
Wake County's noise ordinance specifically targets vehicle-related noise: §92.05(B) bans use of any vehicle so out of repair, loaded, modified, or driven so as to create unreasonably loud grating, grinding, or rattling noise plainly audible to a reasonable person. §92.05(C) prohibits gongs or sirens on non-emergency vehicles. §92.05(F) bans discharging exhaust from steam engines, stationary internal combustion engines, motor vehicles, or motorboats except through a muffler. NCGS §20-128 makes muffler defects a state-level infraction. Both county and state laws apply; Wake County Sheriff and NC Highway Patrol enforce.
County violation: Class 3 misdemeanor under §92.07(D), up to $500/day. State NCGS §20-128 infraction: typically $25-50 fine plus equipment violation on driving record.
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