Coeur d'Alene, ID Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Chapter 10.80, Noise and Exhaust, was adopted by Ordinance 3725 on March 5, 2024 and applies to every motor vehicle operated within the City limits. Section 10.80.010 states the purpose: to regulate excessive motor vehicle noise, smoke and exhaust to protect the public health, comfort and convenience of residents and visitors.

Section 10.80.030(A) sets six rules. Every motor vehicle must carry a muffler in good working order and in constant operation. No person may engage a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device on a public street. No person may knowingly operate, and no owner may knowingly cause or permit operation of, a vehicle whose required noise suppressing system is inoperable, disconnected or altered, except to conform to the manufacturer's specifications. No person may operate a vehicle whose exhaust has been modified to amplify or increase noise above what the original muffler emitted. Operating any vehicle, engine or motor so as to create excessive noise is prohibited. Unmuffled air compression brakes are banned except in an emergency where they are necessary to prevent an accident or injury.

Section 10.80.020 defines excessive noise as any sound made by a motor vehicle, under any condition of speed, acceleration or deceleration, that is unreasonably loud or unusual, or offensive to a reasonable person. The test weighs the actor's conduct, the location and the time of day or night. The chapter prints no decibel limit, so enforcement turns on that reasonable-person standard.

The definition of motor vehicle leaves out human-powered vehicles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, personal delivery devices, electric-assisted bicycles and motorized wheelchairs. Section 10.80.040 exempts unregistered vehicles operated solely on private property not open to the public, and antique or classic vehicles with Idaho Old Timers or Idaho Classic plates that are kept as collector's items and are not used for business or as customary transportation.

Under section 10.80.030(B), the City Clerk, on recommendation of the City Administrator or Parks Director, can permit an event that creates or could create noise or emissions that would otherwise violate the chapter, subject to conditions those officials set.