Euclid, OH Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ORC 4513.221
- Local Code
- C.O. 537
- Fine
- $50-$150
- Correction
- Equipment order issued
- Enforcement
- Euclid Police
Summary
Modified exhaust, loud mufflers, and squealing tires are prohibited under Euclid C.O. 537 and ORC 4513.221. Euclid Police issue equipment violations for unmuffled vehicles.
(A) The board of county commissioners of any county, and the board of township trustees of any township subject to section 505.17 of the Revised Code, may regulate passenger car and motorcycle noise on streets and highways under their jurisdiction. Such regulations shall include maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels, subject to the requirements of this section.
(B) Regulations establishing maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels shall prohibit the operation, within the speed limits specified herein, of a passenger car or motorcycle of a type subject to registration at any time or under any condition of load, acceleration, or deceleration in such manner as to exceed the following maximum noise limits, based on a distance of not less than fifty feet from the center of the line of travel:
(1) For passenger cars:
(a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of seventy decibels;
(b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of seventy-nine decibels.
(2) For motorcycles:
(a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of eighty-two decibels;
(b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of eighty-six decibels.
(C) Maximum noise limits established pursuant to division (B) of this section shall be measured on the "A" scale of a standard sound level meter meeting the applicable requirements for a type 2 sound level meter as defined in American national standards institute standard S1.4 - 1983, or the most recent revision thereof. Measurement practices shall be in substantial conformity with standards and recommended practice established by the society of automotive engineers, including SAE standard J 986 A NOV81, SAE standard J 366 MAR85, SAE standard J 331 A, and such other standards and practices as may be approved by the federal government.
(D) No regulation enacted under division (B) of this section shall be effective until signs giving notice of the regulation are posted upon or at the entrance to the highway or part thereof affected, as may be most appropriate.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Revised Code 4513.221 requires every motor vehicle to have a muffler in good working order preventing excessive or unusual noise. Euclid incorporates this via Codified Ordinance 537 traffic code. Straight-pipe exhausts, removed catalytic converters producing noise, and aftermarket exhaust louder than factory specs are citable. Fines typically $50 to $150 plus equipment correction order. Engine braking on residential streets is discouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my aftermarket exhaust legal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Euclid
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How other cities in Cuyahoga County handle vehicle noise.