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Brown County, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Vehicle noise
Exempt from county limits
Citation
Brown County Code § 39.01(6)(m)
Condition
Must minimize noise where reasonable
Coverage
Countywide, incl. unincorporated towns
Source chapter
Ch. 39, Noise Control (rev. 5-1-2002)

Summary

Brown County's noise ordinance sets sound-level limits for stationary sources but expressly exempts motor vehicles: vehicle stereos, mufflers, and engine noise face no county decibel limit under Chapter 39.

City-specific rules exist: Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, and De Pere have their own vehicle noise rules that differ from Brown County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

(6) EXEMPTIONS. The following activities shall be exempt from the regulations of this section, provided reasonable steps are taken to minimize the noise emitted. ... (m) Motor Vehicles. Noise created by motor vehicles.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Brown County Code § 39.01(2) sets maximum permissible sound-pressure levels by zone for stationary noise sources, but § 39.01(6) lists categories exempt from those limits, including "(m) Motor Vehicles. Noise created by motor vehicles," so long as reasonable steps are taken to minimize the noise. County enforcement targets fixed industrial, commercial, and residential sources, not car stereos, aftermarket exhausts, or engine-brake noise on the road. The exemption applies countywide, including Brown County's unincorporated towns; Green Bay, De Pere, and the incorporated villages may separately regulate vehicle noise under their own municipal codes.

Violations & Fines

No county forfeiture applies to vehicle noise itself since motor vehicles are exempt under § 39.01(6)(m); other Chapter 39 violations carry forfeitures of $100-$500 for a first offense and $200-$1,000 for subsequent offenses under § 39.02.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brown County regulate loud car stereos or exhausts?
No. County noise ordinance § 39.01(6)(m) exempts motor vehicle noise, so aftermarket exhausts, engine-brake noise, and car stereos aren't subject to the county's decibel limits.
Does this exemption apply inside Green Bay or De Pere?
The county exemption applies countywide, but incorporated cities and villages like Green Bay and De Pere may adopt their own vehicle-noise ordinances separate from the county code.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brown County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSignificant RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsFew RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsSome RestrictionsCurfew Laws: Juvenile CurfewSignificant Restrictions

All Brown County rules

Compare Brown County to another location·View the Wisconsin noise ordinances overview

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Vehicle Noise in Cities Across Brown County

Ashwaubenon, WIDe Pere, WIGreen Bay, WI