Federal Way, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo audibility limit
- 50 feet from the vehicle
- Governing section
- FWRC 7.10.020
- Enforcing agency
- Federal Way Police Department
- Maximum penalty
- $1,000 fine or 90 days jail
- Park PA exception
- 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Summary
Federal Way bans excessive vehicle noise under FWRC 7.10.020: unnecessary horn or siren blasts, revving or repairing an engine in a residential district loud enough to disturb neighbors, and car stereos audible more than 50 feet away are each a public disturbance noise. The Federal Way Police Department enforces the ordinance citywide, around the clock.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from that property, sound that is a public disturbance noise. ... The following sounds are public disturbance noises in violation of this section: (1) The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law. (2) The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property. ... (5) Sound from motor vehicle audio sound systems, such as tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020 defines nine categories of public disturbance noise that are unlawful to originate from a vehicle or property. For vehicles specifically, the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of a horn or siren is banned unless it warns of danger or is otherwise required by law (subsection (1)). Starting, repairing, rebuilding or testing a motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district is a violation if the sound is frequent, repetitive or continuous and unreasonably disturbs a neighbor's peace and comfort (subsection (2)).
Car audio systems, tape players, radios and CD players are capped at a volume audible no more than 50 feet from the vehicle (subsection (5)); the same 50-foot cap applies to portable stereos played off the owner's own property (subsection (6)). Squealing tires from rapid acceleration, braking or cornering are also listed violations (subsection (7)), though sounds made to avoid an actual danger are exempt. m. The section was last amended by Ordinance No. 09-596, adopted January 6, 2009, and traces to Code 2001 section 10-27.
Federal Way police officers can cite a driver immediately after witnessing a horn, engine or stereo violation; complaints that require weighing ongoing engine noise are investigated against the 'peace and comfort' standard in subsection (2) rather than a fixed decibel reading.
Violations & Fines
A public disturbance noise violation under FWRC 7.10.020 is enforced as a misdemeanor through the city's general penalty at FWRC 1.10.010, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Federal Way police can also issue a citation immediately after witnessing a horn, exhaust-brake or stereo violation, and repeated calls to the same address strengthen a peace-and-comfort case under subsection (2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a ticket for a loud car stereo in Federal Way?
Is revving my engine at home illegal?
Does the honking ban ever not apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle vehicle noise.