Durham prohibits operating any vehicle so out of repair, loaded, or driven as to create loud grating, grinding, or rattling noise, and bans discharging engine exhaust except through an effective muffler. Unnecessary horn-honking while stopped is also prohibited.
Sec. 26-23(b)(4) makes it an unreasonably loud and disturbing noise to use any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle 'so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.' Sec. 26-23(b)(6) bars discharging engine or motor-vehicle exhaust into the open air except through a muffler that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise. Sec. 26-23(b)(1) prohibits sounding a horn on a stopped vehicle except as a danger signal. Properly muffled vehicles operated 7 a.m.–9 p.m. under normal conditions are exempt (Sec. 26-23(e)(5)).
Loud, defective-exhaust, or unnecessary-horn vehicle noise is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to $50 (Sec. 1-9); NC state muffler law (NCGS 20-128) may also apply.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Durham County's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
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