Fauquier County, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 13-10 targets noise from vehicles operating on any highway in unincorporated Fauquier County. Subsection (a) requires loose or rattling cargo to be secured so it does not create loud noise by striking together. Subsection (b) flatly prohibits using any radio, phonograph, musical instrument, bell, whistle, loudspeaker, amplifier or similar device on a vehicle to cast sound onto a highway for the purpose of advertising the sale of goods or promoting auctions, sporting events or other businesses, though a parade exception applies and a loudspeaker may be used directly in front of property being sold at auction outside business districts.

Subsection (c) is the general rule: it is unlawful to create any unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise while operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle. Subsection (d) lists specific examples that count as violations without limiting the general ban, including operating a vehicle so out of repair that it grates, grinds or rattles loudly, and unnecessarily racing the motor while standing or moving. The Sheriff's Office enforces this section as part of Chapter 13's traffic article, which applies only in the unincorporated county since Sec. 13-2 exempts incorporated towns that regulate their own traffic.