Des Plaines, IL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Des Plaines addresses vehicle noise both locally and through state law. Under City Code Section 6-2-7(E)(4)(b) and (E)(5)(b), sound from a source not located on a property, 'including, without limitation, vehicles and equipment located on a public right of way,' is excessive when it exceeds 50 dBA during quiet hours or 65 dBA at other times, measured more than 30 feet from the source (or 40/55 dBA inside a structure). However, the ordinance exempts 'vehicles on state roads and interstate highways' (6-2-7(B)(1)(g)) and 'railroad trains in transit through the city' (6-2-7(B)(1)(j)). For motor-vehicle equipment generally, Illinois state law preempts the field: 625 ILCS 5/12-602 requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with an adequate muffler in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise and prohibits muffler cutouts, bypasses, or similar devices and gut/modified exhaust that amplifies noise. Local police enforce both the city dBA limits on residential streets and the state muffler statute on roadways.