Fairfax, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo threshold
- Audible at 50 feet
- Exhaust authority
- VA Code 46.2-1049
- Typical fine
- Up to 250 dollars
- Hotspots
- Main Street, Old Town
- Inspection
- May be required to dismiss ticket
Summary
Modified exhaust, loud car stereos audible at 50 feet, sustained horn use, and revving engines in residential zones are prohibited under City of Fairfax Code Chapter 62 and Chapter 82 (Traffic). Violations carry fines and can include equipment violation citations under Virginia Code Title 46.2.
§ 46.2-1049. Exhaust system in good working order.
No person shall drive and no owner of a vehicle shall permit or allow the operation of any such vehicle on a highway unless it is equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise, provided, however, that for motor vehicles, such exhaust system shall be of a type installed as standard factory equipment, or comparable to that designed for use on the particular vehicle as standard factory equipment or other equipment that has been submitted to and approved by the Superintendent or meets or exceeds the standards and specifications of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the American National Standards Institute, or the federal Department of Transportation.
As used in this section, "exhaust system" means all the parts of a vehicle through which the exhaust passes after leaving the engine block, including mufflers and other sound dissipative devices.
Chambered pipes are not an effective muffling device to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and any vehicle equipped with chambered pipes shall be deemed in violation of this section.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to (i) any antique motor vehicle licensed pursuant to § 46.2-730, provided that the engine is comparable to that designed as standard factory equipment for use on that particular vehicle, and the exhaust system is in good working order, or (ii) converted electric vehicles.
Full Breakdown
Vehicle noise in the City of Fairfax is enforced through a combination of the local noise ordinance and state motor vehicle law. Chapter 62 prohibits operating a motor vehicle, motorcycle, or moped audio system so that sound is plainly audible at 50 feet or more from the vehicle. 2-1049, which the city enforces alongside Chapter 82 of the code. Sustained horn honking outside of emergency or traffic-warning use is prohibited, and revving engines as part of social gatherings, drag starts, or intimidation can be cited under both the noise chapter and reckless driving statutes.
Motorcycles with aftermarket straight pipes are a frequent enforcement target along Main Street, Chain Bridge Road, and in the Old Town Fairfax area. Penalties range from a traffic infraction with fines up to 250 dollars for equipment violations to misdemeanor charges for willful or repeat noise violations. Officers may also require that the vehicle be inspected to confirm exhaust compliance before the citation is dismissed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are factory-tuned sport exhausts legal?
Can I be cited for music while driving through?
Is there a decibel limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax
Compare Fairfax to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fairfax County handle vehicle noise.