Fitchburg, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Compression brakes
- Prohibited outright (Sec. 68-152)
- Audible-noise threshold
- Clearly audible from 50+ feet
- Covered noise sources
- Radio, horn, tire squeal, racing engine, exhaust
- First-offense forfeiture
- $25.00 to $500.00
- Repeat-offense forfeiture
- $50.00 to $1,000.00 within one year
Summary
Fitchburg, Wisconsin bans compression (jake) brakes outright, and separately bars operating a vehicle radio or sound system audible from 50 or more feet, plus excessive tire squeal, horn use, engine racing or a modified exhaust or brake system.
No person shall use motor vehicle brakes which are in any way activated or operated by compression of the engine of any motor vehicle. ... Operate, park, stop or leave stand a motor vehicle while using a radio or other electric sound amplification device emitting sound from the vehicle, which includes, but is not limited to, a horn, that is clearly audible under normal conditions from a distance of 50 or more feet, unless the electric sound amplification device is being used to request assistance or warn against an unsafe condition. ... Operate a motor vehicle so as to cause unreasonable and excessive noise levels whether by excessive acceleration or braking causing the tires to squeal, by excessive horn blowing, by excessive racing of the motor, by having a modified or inadequately maintained exhaust or braking system or by any other means.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 68-152 makes it unlawful to use motor vehicle brakes activated or operated by engine compression, with the only defense being an emergency application necessary to prevent immediate danger to life or property. Sec. 68-153 separately targets audible vehicle noise: no person may operate, park, stop or leave standing a vehicle while using a radio or other electric sound amplification device, including a horn, that is clearly audible from 50 or more feet under normal conditions, unless the device is being used to request assistance or warn of an unsafe condition.
The section also bars operating a vehicle so as to cause unreasonable and excessive noise through excessive acceleration or braking that squeals the tires, excessive horn blowing, excessive motor racing, or a modified or inadequately maintained exhaust or braking system. Six exceptions apply: authorized emergency vehicles responding to calls or in pursuit (but not returning from a fire alarm), public utility vehicles, advertising vehicles, vehicles used in a community event, celebration, procession or assemblage, activated theft alarms, and motorcycles operated outside a business or residence district. '
Violations & Fines
Violations of Sec. 68-152 or Sec. 68-153 fall under the Code's general penalty schedule in Sec. 1-21: a first offense draws a forfeiture of $25.00 to $500.00 plus prosecution costs, and a second or subsequent offense of the same provision within one year draws $50.00 to $1,000.00, with jail time in default of payment capped at 90 days. Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense under Sec. 1-21(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jake brakes legal in Fitchburg?
How loud can a car stereo be in Fitchburg before it violates the noise ordinance?
Does the vehicle noise ordinance apply to motorcycles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fitchburg
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle vehicle noise.