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Cedar Rapids, IA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Stereo/amplifier limit
86 dBA at 25 feet
Muffler cutouts
Banned on public highways
Heavy truck exhaust
90 dBA, 94 dBA over 35 mph
Light vehicle exhaust
80 dBA, 84 dBA over 35 mph

Summary

Cedar Rapids caps car stereo or amplifier noise from a vehicle at 86 dBA measured 25 feet away, and separately bans muffler cutouts, bypasses, and exhaust noise above set decibel limits by vehicle weight.

(a) No person shall perform, create, cause, or permit a radio, television set, musical instrument, or any other device to produce, reproduce, or amplify sound to create a noise in excess of 86 dBA at 25 feet from such device when operated on a motor vehicle. (b) No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device on a motor vehicle on a public highway.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 56 of the Cedar Rapids Municipal Code sets the citywide vehicle-noise standard. Section 56.02(a) caps radio, stereo, or amplifier noise from a vehicle at 86 dBA measured 25 feet from the vehicle, and § 56.02(b) bans muffler cutouts, bypasses, and similar devices on public highways. A companion table in § 56.02(c) sets exhaust-noise ceilings by vehicle weight and speed: 90 dBA (94 over 35 mph) for trucks rated 10,000 pounds or more, and 80 dBA (84 over 35 mph) for lighter vehicles. Section 61.074 separately requires every motor vehicle to carry a working muffler.

Violations & Fines

Blasting a car stereo above 86 dBA at 25 feet, running a cut-out or bypassed muffler, or exceeding the exhaust dBA limit for your vehicle's weight class is a citable noise violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can my car stereo legally be in Cedar Rapids?
No louder than 86 dBA measured 25 feet from the vehicle, under Cedar Rapids Municipal Code § 56.02(a).
Are aftermarket exhaust cutouts legal?
No. Section 56.02(b) bans muffler cutouts, bypasses, and similar devices on any motor vehicle used on a public highway.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cedar Rapids

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterHeavy Restrictions

All Cedar Rapids rules

Compare Cedar Rapids to another location·View the Iowa noise ordinances overview

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