El Paso, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Motorcycle limit
- 78 dB(A) at 50 feet
- Car limit (≤35 mph)
- 70 dB(A) at 50 feet
- Muffler
- Required, in constant operation
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 per offense
- Enforcement
- Environmental Services or police chief
Summary
El Paso caps motor-vehicle and motorcycle noise measured at 50 feet: 70 dB(A) for cars at speed limits of 35 mph or less and 78 dB(A) for motorcycles. Every vehicle must run a working muffler at all times.
A. Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles on Public Right-of-way. No person shall operate or cause to be operated a public or private motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way at any time in such a manner that the sound level emitted by the motor vehicle or motorcycle exceeds the following levels: Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Sound Limits (Measured at 50 feet or 15 meters) ... Any motorcycle 78 ... B. ... No person shall operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle or motorcycle not equipped with a muffler or other sound dissipative device in good working order and in constant operation.
Full Breakdown
Section 9.40.110 sets maximum sound levels measured at 50 feet (15 meters). Cars and light vehicles are held to 70 dB(A) where the speed limit is 35 mph or less; motorcycles to 78 dB(A). Heavy trucks of GVWR 10,000 pounds or more run higher, up to 86–90 dB(A) for interstate motor carriers. Removing or disabling a muffler is separately prohibited. The director of environmental services or the police chief enforces the chapter. Recreational off-road vehicles face an 82/73 dB(A) cap keyed to whether they were built before or after January 1, 1975.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor punished by a fine up to $500, with each occurrence a separate offense. The city can also abate the noise as a nuisance, including by injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vehicle noise limit in El Paso?
Is a loud or removed muffler illegal in El Paso?
What is the penalty for violating the noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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