Everett, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler
- Required at all times
- Tire squeal
- Banned from rapid acceleration/cornering
- Exhaust mods
- Cannot amplify engine noise
- Penalty
- Traffic infraction, RCW 46.37 process
Summary
Everett requires every motor vehicle on a public highway to run a working muffler and exhaust system at all times, bans tire squeal from rapid acceleration or cornering, and bars modifying an exhaust to amplify engine noise, per Everett Municipal Code § 20.08.080.
A. Mufflers and Exhaust Systems. It is unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle upon any public highway that is not at all times equipped with an exhaust system and a muffler in good working order and constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. B. Tire Noise. It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as to cause or allow to be emitted squealing, screeching or other such noise from the tires in contact with the ground because of rapid acceleration or excessive speed around corners...
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Everett Municipal Code § 20.08.080 bans three specific vehicle-noise sources on public highways: (A) operating without 'an exhaust system and a muffler in good working order and constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise'; (B) tire squeal or screech 'because of rapid acceleration or excessive speed around corners,' except emergency braking; and (C) modifying an exhaust system to 'amplify or increase the noise emitted by the engine' beyond the dB(A) limits set in §§ 20.08.060 and 20.08.070 (72-90 dB(A) depending on vehicle class and speed). All three are traffic infractions enforced the same way as Chapter 46.37 RCW violations.
Violations & Fines
All three prohibitions (bad muffler, tire squeal, illegal exhaust modification) are traffic infractions cited and enforced the same as Chapter 46.37 RCW violations: a ticket, not a criminal charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Everett?
Can I get ticketed for squealing tires?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Snohomish County handle vehicle noise.