Cranston, RI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Cap under 10,000 lbs
- 80 dB(A) at 25 ft, any time
- Cap over 10,000 lbs, day
- 88 dB(A), 7am-10pm
- Cap over 10,000 lbs, night
- 80 dB(A), 10pm-7am
- Muffler cut-outs
- Prohibited outright
- First-offense fine
- Up to $50
Summary
Cranston caps motor vehicle noise at 80-88 dB(A) by weight class and time of day, and requires an approved muffler with no cut-outs or modifications.
No person shall operate nor shall the owner permit the operation of any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles at any time or place when such operation exceeds the noise sound pressure levels for the category of motor vehicle and for the designated time period specified in Table B. The standards in Table B shall apply to all noise emitted from motor vehicles including any and all equipment thereon, under any condition of acceleration, deceleration, idle, grade or load and whether or not in motion. Table B Maximum Allowable Noise Sound Pressure Levels For Motor Vehicles
Type of Vehicle Time Period Maximum Allowable Sound Pressure Level Measurement Distance From Motor Vehicle
Motor vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds, Manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight At any time 80 dB(A) 25 feet Motor vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds, Manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 88 dB(A) 25 feet Motor vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds, Manufacturer's Gross Vehicle Weight 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 80 dB(A) 25 feet 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or move, or for the owner of any motor vehicle to permit to be driven or moved any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles at any time which is not equipped with an exhaust muffler-approved type as defined by this section.
3.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4824304; v14 updated 2026-05-18).
Full Breakdown
Under Cranston Code § 8.20.010(I), vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVW are capped at 80 dB(A) at 25 feet at any time; heavier vehicles are capped at 88 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. and 80 dB(A) overnight. Every vehicle must run an approved exhaust muffler, and modifying or cutting out a muffler to raise noise above the manufactured level is itself a violation, separate from any measured reading.
Violations & Fines
Fines run $50 for a first offense, up to $100 for a second, and up to $500 for each offense after that; every hour noise exceeds the limit counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust legal in Cranston?
How loud can a car be in Cranston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cranston
Compare Cranston to another location·View the Rhode Island noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle vehicle noise.