Converse, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Jake brake ban
- Any noise beyond normal engine sound
- Jake brake fine
- $1-$500 per offense
- Muffler violation fine
- $170.00, municipal court schedule
- Noise buffer
- City limits plus 5,000 feet
- Emergency exemption
- Emergency vehicles exempt from ban
Summary
Converse bans truck engine brakes ("jake brakes") within city limits except in emergencies, and treats unmuffled exhaust, horn misuse, and faulty-vehicle noise as separate noise nuisances citywide under Chapter 18.
(1)This section applies to the use or operation of an auxiliary or compression engine brake (also known as "jake brake") which produces any noise in addition to the normal operating engine noise is prohibited within the city limits. This provision is not intended to prohibit the passage of vehicles equipped with engine brakes or "jake brakes" in posted areas but rather prohibit the use of such equipment in posted areas.(2)It shall be unlawful for any driver of a truck or truck-tractor to activate or use the unit's engine brake within the city limits except in an emergency situation.(3)The term "emergency situation," for the purposes of this section, shall mean one in which there is imminent danger of collision with property, persons or animals.(4)Emergency vehicles will be exempt from the jake brake ordinance.(b)Penalty. Any person, or persons, violating or failing to comply with any provision of this section shall be fined, upon conviction, not less than $1.00, or more than 500.00, for each offense. (Ord. No. 401-44-2016A, art. I, 2-16-2016)
Secs. 44-4—44-48. - Reserved.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 44-3 makes it unlawful for any truck or truck-tractor driver to activate an engine brake within Converse city limits unless there's imminent danger of collision with property, persons, or animals: any jake-brake noise beyond normal engine sound is banned outright, though simply driving through on a through-route is allowed. Emergency vehicles are exempt. Separately, Sec. 18-67(b) lists unmuffled exhaust discharge, out-of-repair vehicles producing grinding or rattling noise, and continued horn honking as noise nuisances banned citywide and within 5,000 feet of the city limits (Sec. 18-68). The municipal court's fine schedule sets muffler violations and defective exhaust emission systems at $170.00 total.
Violations & Fines
Jake brake violations: fined $1-$500 per offense (Sec. 44-3(b)). Muffler and defective exhaust violations carry a $170.00 municipal court fine; general noise nuisance is separately punishable citywide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can trucks use engine brakes in Converse?
What's the fine for a loud muffler in Converse?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Converse
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Converse to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle vehicle noise.