York County, SC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Exhaust rule
- § 56.016(B)(6), muffler required
- Horn rule
- § 56.016(B)(8), no unnecessary sounding
- Engine-racing rule
- § 56.016(B)(17), stationary vehicles
- Max fine
- $500 per offense, § 56.999
- Max jail
- 30 days per offense
Summary
Unincorporated York County bans three specific kinds of vehicle noise: exhausts without a working muffler, horns or signaling devices sounded unnecessarily or for too long, and engines raced while the vehicle sits still. Each is a named violation under the county's public nuisance chapter, separate from the broader ban on any noise that disturbs residents' peace.
(6) Noisy exhausts. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motorboat or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom. ... (8) Horns and other signaling devices. The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle on any street or public place of the county, except as a danger warning, the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound, and the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time... (17) Racing engines of motor vehicles. The racing of the engine of any motor vehicle while such vehicle is not in motion, except when necessary to do so in the course of repairing, adjusting or testing the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-49: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 3925, passed 6-16-25).
Full Breakdown
C. 016(B) lists several vehicle-specific acts among its enumerated noise violations. ' Subpart (8), 'Horns and other signaling devices,' prohibits sounding a horn or signaling device except as a danger warning, creating an unreasonably loud or harsh sound with one, sounding it for an unnecessary or unreasonable period, using a device not operated by hand or electricity, using a horn or whistle operated by engine exhaust, or sounding a signaling device while traffic is held up. Subpart (17), 'Racing engines of motor vehicles,' bars racing a stationary vehicle's engine except when necessary for repair, adjustment, or testing. 016(B)(4) covers vehicles so out of repair, overloaded, or operated as to create loud grating, grinding, or rattling noise. 017(A).
Violations & Fines
A first confirmed exhaust, horn, or engine-racing violation gets the driver a chance to correct it, such as repairing a muffler, before any fine applies. A repeat or continuing violation within 90 days is a misdemeanor under § 56.999, carrying a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each additional day treated as a separate offense in magistrates' court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in unincorporated York County?
Can I be cited for honking my horn too long?
Is revving a parked car's engine against the rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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