Conway, AR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Conway's general noise chapter, 7.44 Noise Restrictions, lists an un-repaired or overloaded vehicle that grinds, grates or rattles as one of the acts declared a loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise under § 7.44.01(B)(5); a violation of that chapter is a misdemeanor under § 7.44.03, punishable by a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each offense. Separately, Chapter 8.33, Engine Compression Braking, adopted by Ord. No. O-15-81, makes it unlawful under § 8.33.02 for the driver of any truck or other motorized vehicle to use an engine compression brake, defined in § 8.33.01 to include a Jake Brake, Jacobs Brake, C-Brake, Paccar Brake or transmission brake, if it results in excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise anywhere within the city.

Section 8.33.03 allows an affirmative defense when the brake was used on an emergency basis to avoid property damage or personal injury, and § 8.33.04 exempts emergency vehicles outright. The city posts warning signs on U.S. and state highways entering Conway reading language similar to "No Engine Braking by City Ordinance" under § 8.33.06, which also makes clear the ban applies even where no sign is posted. Section 8.33.05 sets the engine-brake fine at up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) per offense, treating each use of the brake as a separate violation, a far steeper penalty than the general noise fine.

Section 8.33.07 states the engine-brake chapter is supplementary to, and does not repeal, the city's other noise ordinances, so both provisions can apply to the same truck.