McHenry County, IL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited after
- 7:00 p.m. any day
- Weekday morning
- Before 7:00 a.m.
- Weekend morning
- Before 9:00 a.m.
- Audibility trigger
- 100 feet from lot line
- Registered road vehicles
- Exempt from nuisance rule
Summary
In unincorporated McHenry County, running an off-road vehicle whose noise carries 100 feet or more from the lot line is a public nuisance after 7:00 p.m. any day, before 7:00 a.m. Monday–Friday, or before 9:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Registered on-road vehicles are exempt.
It is a public nuisance to operate any Off-Road Vehicle that generates noise which can be heard from a distance of 100 feet or more from the lot line of the source of the noise after 7:00 PM on any day, or before 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, or before 9:00 AM Saturday or Sunday.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The Nuisance Noise Ordinance limits ATVs, off-road motorcycles, golf carts, and recreational off-road vehicles in unincorporated areas. Operating one so its noise is heard 100 feet or more from the source's lot line is a public nuisance after 7:00 p.m. daily, before 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, or before 9:00 a.m. on weekends. Off-road vehicles used for agriculture, lawn or property maintenance, construction, or public-agency work are excluded. Noise from a properly registered on-road vehicle is exempt from the general nuisance rule, since state motor-vehicle law governs it.
Violations & Fines
Public-nuisance fine: $100 first offense, then $100 to $1,000 per offense; each day of violation is separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my ATV on my property on Sunday morning?
Are loud car mufflers covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
Compare McHenry County to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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