Bernalillo County, NM Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Under Sec. 30-123(b)(5), no one may modify or change a motor vehicle's exhaust muffler, intake muffler, or other noise abatement device so the vehicle emits more noise than it did as originally manufactured. Separate tables in Sec. 30-123(b)(3)-(4) cap in-use vehicle noise by type, weight and posted speed (e.g., cars after 1978: 70 dB(A) at 35 mph or under, measured 50 feet from the centerline), and Sec. 30-123(a) bars repairing, rebuilding or testing a vehicle in a residential area between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if it causes discomfort to residents. This chapter governs only unincorporated county land; Albuquerque enforces its own noise rules under its Integrated Development Ordinance.