Corvallis, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 5.03.030.020.08 makes it a prohibited noise to discharge "in the open air the exhaust of a steam engine, internal combustion engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which effectively prevents loud or explosive noises," reaching a car, truck, or motorcycle running a cut-out, straight-pipe, or otherwise defective exhaust system. Section 5.03.030.020.01 covers the mechanical side of the same problem, an engine that is out of repair or a vehicle so loaded that it rattles, grinds, or grates as it moves. Section 5.03.030.020.02 and .020.03 add that sounding a horn, signaling device, or steam whistle is also prohibited except to mark the start or stop of work or to warn of danger, and Section 5.03.030.020.06 bars using a gong or siren on a vehicle other than a police, fire, or emergency vehicle. None of these vehicle-noise rules carry a decibel number; they are enforced on the effectively-muffled and out-of-repair standards as written.