Chattanooga sets dB(A) sound-level caps by vehicle type and speed zone: in 35 mph-or-less zones, motorcycles are limited to 82 dB(A) and cars under 10,000 lbs to 80 dB(A). Car stereos audible 50+ feet away are also prohibited.
City Code Sec. 25-72 limits motor-vehicle sound levels by speed zone. In zones of 35 mph or less: motorcycles and motor-driven cycles 82 dB(A), vehicles over 10,000 lbs 86 dB(A), and vehicles under 10,000 lbs 80 dB(A). In zones over 35 mph the limits rise to 86, 90 and 84 dB(A). Standing heavy vehicles (GVWR over 10,000 lbs) may not idle longer than 10 minutes per hour within 150 feet of a residential area between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Sec. 25-69(c) bars any vehicle sound-amplification system "plainly audible" 50 or more feet away. Sec. 25-68(a)(5) and (a)(7) also cover defective vehicles and missing mufflers.
$50 citation fine per violation plus civil penalty up to $500 in Chattanooga city court (Sec. 25-73).
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See how Chattanooga's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
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