Dearborn County, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 93.01(B) of the Dearborn County Code sets a distance test for noise from vehicles. It applies to the owner or person in possession of a motor vehicle with a device described above, which refers back to division (A): a radio, television, phonograph, tape player, loud speaker, musical instrument, siren, car alarm, whistle, bell or other sound amplification device. Such a person cannot cause or permit any noise emanating from the motor vehicle which is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the motor vehicle. The test is what a listener can hear, and the section prints no decibel number. The lawful use of a motor vehicle horn is expressly not a violation.

Because the rule reaches the owner or the person in possession, the registered owner and a passenger in possession of the vehicle are both within its wording. Chapter 93 does not mention mufflers or engine brakes, so the 50-foot rule works through the listed devices, including a car alarm sounding from the vehicle.

Section 93.03(A) adds a presumption: it is presumed a violation if notice to cease and desist has been given and the person continues to make, cause or permit a noise of similar intensity and duration. No warning is required if a person of ordinary sensibilities knew or should have known the noise would cause unwarranted annoyance. A request to desist is actual notice by a law enforcement officer to the offender or an employee or representative. Section 93.04 exempts safety signals, warning devices and emergency pressure relief valves, and emergency vehicles responding to or acting in time of emergency.