Evanston, IL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility threshold
- 75 feet, normal hearing, from vehicle
- Governing section
- Evanston City Code § 9-5-20(A)(5)(a)
- First-offense fine
- $100 to $500
- Repeat-offense fine floor
- $150 (2nd), $200 (3rd+) within 1 year
- Exemptions
- Emergency vehicles; valid City noise permit holders
Summary
Evanston bans playing a car radio, tape deck or other audio device loud enough to be audible to a person of normal hearing 75 feet away on any city street, under City Code Section 9-5-20(A)(5)(a). The rule exempts emergency vehicles and anyone operating under a valid City noise permit, and a first conviction draws a fine between $100 and $500, rising with repeat offenses within a year.
5.Audio Systems:a.No person shall play, use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated, any radio, tape recorder, cassette player, or other device for receiving broadcast or reproducing recorded sound if the device is located in any motor vehicle on a "street", as defined in Section 1-3-2 of this Code, and if the sound generated by the device is audible to a person, including, but not limited to, a peace officer, with normal hearing at a distance seventy-five (75) feet or greater. This Subsection does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles as defined in Section 9-2-10 of this Title; nor to persons who are producing noise pursuant to a valid permit, as required by this and other sections of this Code, which allows noise production otherwise prohibited by this Subsection. ... b.Any person found guilty of violating this Subsection (A)5. shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the first offense, not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second offense committed within one year of the first offense...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
" The rule turns on distance, not a decibel meter reading, so an officer's own ability to hear the audio from 75 feet away or more, whether they're a bystander or the peace officer making the stop, is itself the violation standard. Two exceptions apply: "authorized emergency vehicles as defined in Section 9-2-10 of this Title," and "persons who are producing noise pursuant to a valid permit, as required by this and other sections of this Code, which allows noise production otherwise prohibited by this Subsection," meaning a City-issued sound permit under the neighboring loudspeaker rules can cover an amplified vehicle at an authorized event. as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noises," and a ban on unnecessary horn use except as a danger warning.
Violations & Fines
A first conviction under Subsection (A)(5) carries a fine of "not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00)"; a second offense within one year of the first raises the floor to $150, and every subsequent offense within that year carries a mandatory minimum of $200, both capped at $500 under Section 9-5-20(A)(5)(b).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Evanston?
Is there any exception for events with amplified sound in vehicles?
What's the fine for a loud car stereo violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
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How other cities in Cook County handle vehicle noise.