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Corpus Christi, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Audibility limit
30+ feet from vehicle
Governing section
Code § 31-5
Also triggers
Felt vibration outside vehicle
Enforcement
Corpus Christi Police Dept.
Penalty
Misdemeanor fine, § 31-8 / § 1-6

Summary

Corpus Christi bans operating a vehicle sound amplifier, car radio, stereo, CD or cassette player, so loudly it is audible 30 or more feet from the vehicle, or produces felt vibration outside it.

It shall be unlawful for any person operating or controlling a motor vehicle in either a public or private place within the city to operate any sound amplifier which is part of, or connected to, any radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette player, or other similar device in the motor vehicle, in such a manner that, when operated, is audible at a distance of thirty (30) or more feet from the source ...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).

Full Breakdown

Section 31-5 makes it unlawful to run any vehicle-mounted sound amplifier, radio, stereo receiver, CD or cassette player, in a way that is audible 30 or more feet from the source, anywhere in the city, on public or private property. Felt vibration outside the vehicle is a separate violation. Chapter 31 also caps received sound at 70 dB(A) daytime and 60 dB(A) overnight (85 dB(A) in the downtown Entertainment District) under § 31-3, and § 31-2(a)(4) requires vehicle exhaust to pass through a properly installed muffler. Corpus Christi Police enforce it; each violation is a misdemeanor under § 31-8, fined per § 1-6.

Violations & Fines

Each offense is a misdemeanor under § 31-8, punishable by a fine set in Code § 1-6; every act and every day of violation counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can my car stereo be in Corpus Christi?
Not loud enough to be heard 30 or more feet away from the vehicle. Being audible past that distance, on any public or private property in the city, is a § 31-5 violation.
Does bass vibration count separately?
Yes. Section 31-5 is also violated when the sound causes a person to feel the accompanying vibration anywhere outside the vehicle, independent of the 30-foot audibility test.
What about a loud exhaust or muffler?
Separate rule: § 31-2(a)(4) bans discharging engine exhaust except through a properly installed muffler that prevents loud or explosive noise.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Corpus Christi

Quiet HoursLight RestrictionsConstruction HoursLight RestrictionsBuilding Setbacks & Zoning: Setback RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingLight RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Corpus Christi rules

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