Coral Gables, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Sec. 34-169 of the Coral Gables City Code, part of Chapter 34, Article VI, names specific noise sources. Subsections (4), (5) and (6) are the ones aimed at vehicles, and each targets a different problem.

Subsection (4), Exhausts, covers the discharge into the open air of the exhaust of a motor vehicle that creates unreasonably loud or explosive noises. The same subsection reaches a steam engine and a stationary internal combustion engine, so it is not limited to cars. The key words are loud or explosive, and exhaust that produces that kind of sound falls under this subsection.

Subsection (5), Defect in vehicle or load, looks at condition and cargo. It bars the use of any automobile, motorcycle or other motor vehicle so out of repair, or so loaded, as to create unreasonably loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. This subsection carries a location limit that the quoted text of the others does not state: the noise must occur within a residential area. A rattling, overloaded vehicle on a residential Coral Gables street is the situation it describes.

Subsection (6), Mufflers, applies to every motor vehicle, motorcycle and motor-driven cycle muffler that creates unreasonably, excessive or unusual noise. By naming motorcycles and motor-driven cycles separately, the code makes clear that smaller machines are covered along with cars.

None of the quoted subsections sets a decibel number or a time of day. The standard in each is whether the noise is unreasonable, expressed through words such as loud, explosive, unnecessary, excessive and unusual.

Police and code enforcement handle violations. They issue a verbal warning first, and fines follow for continued violations.