Columbus, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Chapter 8.28 of the Columbus Municipal Code, enacted by the Common Council of the City of Columbus in Bartholomew County, Indiana, treats vehicle noise in two connected subsections of § 8.28.040. Subsection B covers combustion engines: the operation of any internal combustion engine by which its use creates loud, unnecessary and unreasonable noise. It also requires vehicles to be equipped with a muffler or other noise-dissipative device that qualifies under I.C. 9-19-8-3, as amended from time to time.

Subsection D covers the condition and loading of the vehicle. It bars the use of any vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or used in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. It also reaches grating, screeching, grinding, squeaking, loud reports or shots, and other noises made in the use of vehicles or accessories attached to them, and it repeats the muffler requirement. The chapter defines vehicle as a thing used for transporting people or goods, especially on land, such as a car, truck or cart.

Subsection E separately covers horns and signaling devices on any street or public place of the city: sounding a horn except as a danger warning, creating unreasonable noise with a signaling device, sounding it for an unnecessary and unreasonable period, using a horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust, or sounding a device when traffic is held up. The code sets no decibel number for engines or mufflers. The test is whether the noise is loud, unnecessary and unreasonable, with unreasonable noise defined as sound of a volume, frequency or pattern that disrupts the comfort or repose of reasonable persons of ordinary sensitivities.

Under § 8.28.050 any person can complain to the police department or code enforcement office, which investigates as soon as reasonably practical and can issue a citation or notice.