Charlottesville, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Heavy vehicle exhaust cap
- 86-90 dB(A) by speed
- Motorcycle exhaust cap
- 82-86 dB(A) by speed
- Passenger vehicle exhaust cap
- 76-82 dB(A) by speed
- Stereo audible distance
- 100 feet, 10pm-6am
- Penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor
Summary
Charlottesville caps motor vehicle exhaust and engine noise by class and speed, and separately bars loud car stereos. City Code Section 16-9(a) sets a sliding dB(A) table by vehicle weight and speed limit, while Section 16-9(c) makes it unlawful to play a vehicle radio or amplifier loud enough to disturb people outside the car.
(a)No person shall operate or cause to be operated a public or private motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way at any time in such a manner that the sound level emitted by the motor vehicle or motorcycle, when measured at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more, exceeds the level set forth in the following table: ... Vehicle Class Speed limit 35 MPH or less Speed limit over 35 MPH All motor vehicles of GVWR or GCWR of 6,000 lbs. or more 86 90 Any motorcycle 82 86 Any other motor vehicle or any combination of vehicles towed by any motor vehicle 76 82 ... (c)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section or provisions of this chapter related to noise, it shall be unlawful for any person to play or operate or permit the playing, use or operation of any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound, which is located within a motor vehicle being operated or parked on public or private property within the city, including any public or private street or alley, in such manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of passersby or other persons outside of the subject motor vehicle.
Full Breakdown
Section 16-9(a) of the City Code sets maximum exhaust and engine sound levels for any motor vehicle or motorcycle operated on a public right-of-way, measured at 50 feet or more, using a table keyed to vehicle weight and the posted speed limit: heavy vehicles of 6,000 pounds GVWR or GCWR or more are capped at 86 dB(A) on roads posted 35 mph or less and 90 dB(A) above 35 mph; motorcycles are capped at 82 and 86 dB(A); and any other vehicle, or a vehicle towing a trailer, is capped at 76 and 82 dB(A).
Section 16-9(b) exempts motor carrier vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, which are instead regulated under federal law. Section 16-9(c) separately makes it unlawful to play a radio, tape player, CD player, loudspeaker or other sound-amplifying device inside a parked or moving vehicle on public or private property, including any street or alley, loud enough to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of people outside the car. loud enough to be heard 100 feet away is prima facie evidence of a violation, and the ordinance expressly declares that conduct to be the creation of unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the city.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle stereo or exhaust violation under Section 16-9 is enforced under Chapter 16's general Class 4 misdemeanor penalty in Section 16-5(a). For stereo noise, an officer who hears a car's radio or amplifier from 100 feet away between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. has prima facie evidence of a violation under Section 16-9(c) without needing a metered exhaust reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car's exhaust legally be in Charlottesville?
Can I get in trouble for a loud car stereo?
Are big trucks held to the same exhaust limit as cars?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charlottesville
Compare Charlottesville to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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