Fayette County, GA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Motorcycle cap (<=35 mph)
- 78 dB(A)
- Light vehicle cap (<=35 mph)
- 72 dB(A)
- Heavy vehicle (>10,000 lbs) cap
- 86 dB(A)
- Measured at
- 50 feet from lane of travel
- Unmuffled exhaust, repair noise, horns
- banned any time
- Enforced by
- County administrator, marshal's office
Summary
Motor vehicles in unincorporated Fayette County are capped at 78-90 dB(A) depending on class and speed, measured 50 feet from the lane of travel, and unmuffled exhaust, repeated engine repair noise, and unnecessary horn use are separately banned in residential areas at any time.
(d)Maximum permissible sound levels for motor vehicles. Measurement of motor vehicle sound levels shall be made at a distance of 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel at the posted speed limit, by measurement procedures established by the state commission on equipment. Maximum permissible sound levels for motor vehicles, expressed in dB(A)s, are: Vehicle Category 35 mph (56 kph) or less Over 35 mph (56 kph) Motorcycles 78 82 Automobiles, light trucks, and not all other motor vehicles 10,000 pounds or less GVWR 72 78 All motor vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR 86 90 ... b.Exhausts. Sounds resulting from the use of unmuffled exhaust systems on motor vehicles, off-road vehicles and recreational watercraft.c.Vehicle repair in residential areas. Sounds which are frequent, repetitive or continuous and are made in connection with starting, repairing, operating or testing of motor vehicles, off-road vehicles, or internal combustion engines and which in a manner that interfere with the peace and comfort of persons in any residential district.d.Motor vehicle horns. Sounds resulting from vehicle horns for purposes other than public safety or warning.
Full Breakdown
Section 16-38(d) sets maximum permissible motor vehicle sound levels, measured 50 feet from the center of the lane of travel at the posted speed limit: motorcycles are capped at 78 dB(A) at 35 mph or less and 82 dB(A) above 35 mph; automobiles and light trucks up to 10,000 pounds GVWR are capped at 72 and 78 dB(A); and vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR are capped at 86 and 90 dB(A). Separately, Section 16-39(1) prohibits three vehicle-related sounds at any time of day or night in residential areas: subsection b bars unmuffled exhaust systems on motor vehicles, off-road vehicles and recreational watercraft; subsection c bars frequent, repetitive or continuous starting, repairing, operating or testing of motor vehicles or internal combustion engines that interferes with residential peace and comfort; and subsection d bars motor vehicle horn use for purposes other than public safety or warning. The administrator's staff and marshal's office enforce these provisions under Section 16-42, with penalties running through the general penalty section, Section 1-7.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle measured louder than its class's dB(A) cap at 50 feet, or use of an unmuffled exhaust, repeated at-home engine repair or testing that disturbs residential neighbors, or non-safety horn honking, is each a citable public disturbance noise. The marshal's office or the administrator's designee may investigate and cite under Section 16-42.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the noise limit for cars driving in unincorporated Fayette County?
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Fayette County?
Can I be cited for repairing my car in my driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fayette County
Compare Fayette County to another location·View the Georgia noise ordinances overview
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