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.
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
Durham, NC
Durham adopts NC Building Code pool barrier standards requiring 48-inch barriers around residential pools. Pool fences on single-family parcels need a buildi...
See how Durham's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
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