East Honolulu, HI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- HAR 11-46-6(b); ROH 41-6.1
- Muffler
- Required, unmodified
- Vehicle stereo
- Not audible 30 ft (ROH 41-6.1)
- Penalty (state)
- Up to $10,000/day (11-46-16)
Summary
HAR 11-46-6(b) requires on-site vehicles and construction equipment to operate with a functioning, unmodified muffler, and Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 41-6.1 bars operating a sound-reproducing device in a vehicle on a public street if it is audible 30 feet away.
11-46-6(b)(1)(A) No person shall operate nor shall its owner permit the operation of an on-site vehicle, construction equipment, or device, with a motor or exhaust system or both, without a muffler. This subparagraph shall not apply to pile hammers and pneumatic hand tools weighing less than fifteen pounds; and (B) No person shall operate nor shall its owner permit the operation of an on-site vehicle, construction equipment, tool, or device, on any premises or a construction site, with a motor or exhaust system or both, which has been altered, modified, or repaired; provided this subparagraph shall not apply if the operator or owner can show that the altered, modified, or repaired component is equally or more effective than the original component in reducing noise.
Full Breakdown
Vehicle-related noise in East Honolulu is addressed by both the state noise rule and the Honolulu ordinances. HAR 11-46-6(b)(1) provides that no person shall operate, nor shall its owner permit the operation of, an on-site vehicle, construction equipment, or device with a motor or exhaust system without a muffler (excepting pile hammers and pneumatic hand tools under fifteen pounds), and 11-46-6(b)(1)(B) bars operating such equipment with a muffler that has been altered, modified, or repaired to be less effective at reducing noise. For amplified sound from vehicles, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Title 9, Chapter 41, Article 6, section 41-6.1 makes it unlawful to play or operate any radio, tape player, or other sound-reproducing device on a motor vehicle on a public street if the sound is audible 30 feet from the device. State on-road motor-vehicle equipment noise is also governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 291 (traffic code) muffler requirements.
Violations & Fines
Muffler and equipment-noise violations under HAR 11-46 carry fines up to $10,000 per day (11-46-16); ROH 41-6.1 sound-device violations are enforced by the Honolulu Police Department as citations under the Honolulu code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are loud exhausts and modified mufflers illegal?
Can I play loud music from my car in East Honolulu?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Honolulu
Compare East Honolulu to another location·View the Hawaii noise ordinances overview
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