Everett, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

The Everett City Council, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, put its vehicle noise rules inside the loud and unnecessary noise nuisance in Section 13A-62(g)(14). The horn rule is numeric: the sounding of any horn or signaling device on any motor vehicle in the City for longer than three seconds in any period of one minute is a violation, with one exception for a danger warning. The exhaust rule covers ownership as well as operation. Any motor vehicle or other combustible engine must have an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Equipping a muffler or exhaust system with a cutout, bypass or similar device, or modifying it in a way that amplifies or increases engine noise above what the originally installed system emitted, is itself a violation.

The specific list is not exhaustive. The general prohibition in the same subsection bars any loud and unnecessary sound or noise that tends to annoy or disturb a person of ordinary sensibilities in or about any public street, highway, alley, park or private residence, so a loud stereo or a revving engine can be cited under the general language as well. Vehicle alarms are covered by their own item: a continuous signal for more than thirty (30) minutes that cannot be shut off because the alarm user is absent or unavailable is a nuisance.

Separate from this section, Section 13-7 sets a 50 dBA limit between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. measured not closer than the lot line, and the Everett Police verify it with a sound level meter before acting on a complaint. Enforcement of Section 13A-62 follows Chapter 13A, beginning with a warning or citation.