Statewide Iowa law requires every motor vehicle to have a working muffler and bans muffler cutouts and bypass devices. This applies on all highways in Polk County. The Sheriff and city police enforce it; a scheduled fine applies.
Iowa Code section 321.436 requires every motor vehicle to be equipped at all times with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke, and prohibits muffler cutouts, bypasses, or similar devices on a highway. The rule is statewide, so it governs roads throughout Polk County, both unincorporated areas and cities. Loud exhaust, straight pipes, and 'jake brake' style noise complaints are enforced under this statute by the Polk County Sheriff and municipal police.
A muffler violation carries a scheduled fine under Iowa Code section 805.8A(3)(ah); the vehicle may fail to meet equipment requirements until repaired.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. Chapter 60 (Housing) requires reasonable property maintenance and could ...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Chapter 48 (Noise) standards could theoretically apply to overnight blow...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Display timing, brightness, and animation are governed primarily by HOA and cond...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires building permits for permanent outdoor kitchen installations with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs under Chapt...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has no smoker-specific ordinance. Open burning is regulated under Chapter 70 (Fire Prevention) and Iowa Code 100B with cooking-fire exemptions. Io...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Fire Code under Chapter 26, Article XII adopts the International Fire Code (IFC). IFC 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas tank...
See how Des Moines's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.