Charlotte, NC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 15-67 makes it unlawful to operate or allow the operation of any motor vehicle in the city that has had its muffler-exhaust or other noise-control equipment removed, altered, or left in such disrepair that it creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises. The same section separately bans engaging in jackrabbit starts, spinning tires, racing engines, or other operations that create unreasonably loud and disturbing noises, and bans racing or similar operations off the boundaries of a public street. The section, adopted by Ordinance No. 4663 on May 23, 2011, sits in Chapter 15's Article III alongside Charlotte's other noise offenses and cross-references Chapter 14, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, for related equipment and operation rules.

Unlike Sections 15-63 and 15-64, which set specific db(A) ceilings measured at a property line, Section 15-67 uses the same 'unreasonably loud and disturbing' standard applied to public morality nuisances, so a citing officer documents the noise-producing conduct, such as a straight-piped exhaust or a burnout, rather than taking a decibel reading. Because the offense targets the vehicle's condition or the driver's operation rather than a fixed sound level, it applies anywhere in the city, not only in residential zones or near occupied structures.