Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Kootenai County

Kootenai County, ID Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County watercraft rule
KCC 6.2.105
Boat noise cap (post-1995)
88 dBA stationary
Pre-1995 boats
90 dBA
Large-lake limit
75 dBA over 500 ft wide
Third offense/year
Misdemeanor

Summary

Kootenai County directly regulates watercraft noise: county code 6.2.105 requires every motorboat on county waters to have a working muffler and prohibits cutouts or exhaust amplifiers. Idaho Code 67-7038 caps boat noise at 88 dBA. On-road vehicle noise falls under Idaho muffler law and disturbing-the-peace.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Kootenai County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful to operate any motor driven watercraft on the public waters within Kootenai County unless it is equipped with a muffler or muffler system in good working order and in constant operation, effectively installed to prevent excessive or unusual noise.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-10: Code current through: Ord. 633, passed December 23, 2025).

Full Breakdown

For the county's many lakes, Kootenai County Code 6.2.105 (Control of Noise from Motor Driven Watercraft) makes it unlawful to operate a motorboat without a muffler or muffler system in good working order and constant operation, and bans altered mufflers, cutouts, bypasses and exhaust-amplifying devices. Idaho Code 67-7038 sets a stationary-test limit of 88 dBA for boats built on or after January 1, 1995 (90 dBA if earlier) and 75 dBA on lakes over 500 feet wide. Loud cars on public roads are governed by Idaho muffler law (49-937) plus disturbing-the-peace; cities may add exhaust-noise chapters.

Violations & Fines

Under county code 6.2.105, a first and second watercraft-noise offense within a year is an infraction; a third within a year is a misdemeanor. Officers may order an on-site noise test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my boat need a muffler on Lake Coeur d'Alene?
Yes. County code 6.2.105 requires a working muffler in constant operation and bans cutouts or exhaust amplifiers; Idaho caps stationary noise at 88 dBA.
What about a loud car exhaust?
On-road vehicles must keep a working muffler under Idaho Code 49-937, and excessive noise can be cited as disturbing the peace. Cities may add exhaust rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kootenai County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSome Restrictions

All Kootenai County rules

Compare Kootenai County to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview

Get notified when Vehicle Noise in Kootenai County, ID changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.