East Brunswick, NJ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 147-10 of the East Brunswick Township noise chapter has four paragraphs. Paragraph A bars removing or rendering inoperative, or making less effective than originally equipped, any device or element of design incorporated in a motor vehicle for noise control, other than for maintenance, repair, or replacement. No person may operate a vehicle or motorcycle modified that way, and a non-compliant vehicle is in violation if operated stationary or in motion in any public space or public right-of-way. Paragraph B requires every motorcycle to have a muffler that complies with and is labeled in accordance with the Federal Noise Regulations under 40 CFR Part 205.

Paragraphs C and D cover personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment. Between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. it cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator. Between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. the distance is 50 feet. Section 147-2 defines PLAINLY AUDIBLE as any sound that can be detected by a Noise Control Officer or Investigator using unaided hearing of normal acuity, and says that detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient. The officer need not identify the title, words, or artist.

The section opens with a rule that changes how enforcement works: violation of each paragraph is considered purposeful and therefore a non-minor violation. Under § 147-2 a minor violation is one that is not purposeful, reckless or criminally negligent, so these cases skip the warning-only track. Because plainly audible and distance determinations need no sound level meter, a Noise Control Investigator can enforce them under § 147-5.