Dodge County, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Dodge County Code § 7.06(2)
- Prohibited acts
- Squealing tires, excess revving, loud exhaust
- First-offense deposit
- $150.00
- Total with statutory fees
- $326.50
- Enforced by
- Dodge County Sheriff's Office
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Dodge County roads
Summary
In unincorporated Dodge County it is unlawful to make unnecessary and annoying noise with a motor vehicle by squealing tires, revving the engine, or running a loud exhaust. A first citation carries a $150 deposit that totals $326.50 with statutory fees.
7.06 - HARMFUL OPERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES. ... (1)DEFINITIONS. ... (d)Unnecessary and Annoying Noise. Any sound or noise produced by a motor vehicle, which noise exceeds in duration or intensity that attending the routine and safe acceleration and operation of a motor vehicle. (2)UNNECESSARY AND ANNOYING NOISE. No person shall make unnecessary and annoying noise with a motor vehicle by squealing tires, excessive acceleration of the engine or by emitting unnecessary and loud exhaust system noises.
Full Breakdown
06(1)(d) defines "unnecessary and annoying noise" as any sound produced by a motor vehicle that exceeds, in duration or intensity, what routine and safe acceleration and operation would produce. 06(2) then makes it unlawful for any person to make unnecessary and annoying noise with a motor vehicle by squealing tires, excessive acceleration of the engine, or by emitting unnecessary and loud exhaust system noises. 06(3), intentionally driving a vehicle so as to deface, damage, or mar the surface or shoulder of a public highway, which is a distinct offense from the noise provision.
Both fall under Chapter 7, the county's traffic code, which covers roads in the unincorporated area and county trunk highways. 21. 50. 50 total, reflecting that it is charged and penalized separately from the noise provision even though both sit in the same section of the code.
Violations & Fines
A driver cited under § 7.06(2) can pay the $326.50 total cash deposit in lieu of a court appearance, tendering a plea of no contest, or appear in court as scheduled under the § 7.21 deposit procedure. Failing to pay the deposit or appear can lead to a default judgment of guilt or a warrant. Each incident is charged separately, and a related § 7.06(3) defacing-highway offense carries its own $389.50 total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly counts as "unnecessary and annoying noise" from a vehicle?
How much is the fine for a loud exhaust or squealing tires?
Who enforces this in unincorporated Dodge County?
Is leaving tire marks on the road a separate charge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dodge County
Compare Dodge County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview
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