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Baltimore County, MD Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County vehicle-noise rule
None; state law governs
Daytime dB limit
65 dBA residential
Nighttime dB limit
55 dBA residential
Loud exhaust
Prohibited by Maryland law
Enforcement
Police traffic citation

Summary

Loud vehicles, revving engines, and modified exhaust in Baltimore County are governed by Maryland state motor-vehicle and COMAR noise law rather than a county ordinance. COMAR caps residential-line noise at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime; state law bans defective or excessively loud exhaust systems.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Baltimore County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Table 1 Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA): Residential Day 65, Night 55; Commercial Day 67, Night 62; Industrial Day 75, Night 75.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Baltimore County's Title 3 noise code targets domestic noise, not roadway vehicle noise, which Maryland regulates statewide. Maryland motor-vehicle law prohibits operating a vehicle with a defective, modified, or excessively loud muffler/exhaust. Environmental noise from vehicles at a property is also subject to COMAR 26.02.03, which limits residential-receiving-property noise to 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Police enforce loud-exhaust and modified-vehicle violations through traffic citations.

Violations & Fines

Maryland traffic citations apply for illegal exhaust or excessive vehicle noise; COMAR limits are enforced by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are loud exhausts illegal in Baltimore County?
Yes, under Maryland state motor-vehicle law, which bans defective, cut-out, or excessively loud exhaust systems. Police enforce this with a traffic citation, not a county noise ticket.
Does the county have a vehicle decibel limit?
No county-specific limit. Environmental vehicle noise at a residential property is capped by COMAR at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Baltimore County rules

Compare Baltimore County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview

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