Cherokee County, SC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Cherokee County Code § 15-63 names specific loud noises as common nuisances in unincorporated Cherokee County, South Carolina, and two items reach vehicles directly. Item (3) covers horns, sirens and signal devices using loud, brash or harassing noises, whether on vehicles or otherwise. Item (4) covers motor vehicle exhausts without mufflers or with inefficient or ineffective mufflers. The section opens by saying nuisance noises include, but are not limited to, these devices when operated in the manner prohibited by the article, so the list gives examples and is not a closed set.

Vehicle sound systems fall under item (1) of the same section: a radio, phonograph or other sound device in a vehicle that is plainly audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation. Section 15-67(c) adds that for excessive noise from sound amplifying devices in motor vehicles, the complaint of one (1) law enforcement officer is prima facie evidence, while other noise cases under § 15-67(b) need the complaints of three (3) or more persons, or a citizen paired with an officer.

Enforcement follows § 15-67(a). No charge is made unless a complaint is made to law enforcement and the driver has first been provided an opportunity to abate the noise without penalty. The person is guilty if the noise continues or recurs within a twenty-four (24) hour period, or if the same person was given that opportunity two (2) or more times within the previous one hundred eighty (180) days at the same location.

The exemptions in § 15-65 matter for vehicles. Item (2) exempts horns, sirens and alarms used with authorized emergency vehicles or as safety devices to alert persons to danger or attempted crime. Item (5) exempts agricultural vehicles, tractors and other vehicles exempted from registration and licensing under state law, and motor vehicles transporting poultry or livestock. Item (7)c exempts motor vehicles, otherwise in lawful operating condition, on all public streets and highways. Item (11) separately exempts noise not exceeding one hundred five (105) decibels at the property lines of the tract of approximately 1,715.22 acres near 200 Ashley Lane, Gaffney, so long as it is used exclusively for a multiuse motorsports-related facility.