Florence County, SC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Out-of-repair vehicle noise
- Banned under Sec. 18-1(b)(4)
- Repair-work noise radius
- Within 500 feet of a dwelling
- Horn use
- No unreasonable length or harshness
- Penalty
- Up to $200.00 fine or 15 days jail
- Exception
- Lawfully permitted vehicle races
- Enforcer
- Florence County Sheriff's Department
Summary
A car so out of repair or overloaded that its tires grate, grind or screech is banned under Sec. 18-1(b)(4), and Sec. 18-1(b)(11) separately makes it unlawful to repair or work on vehicles within 500 feet of a home if the work causes loud, disturbing noise.
(4)Use of vehicles. The use of any motor vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or so operated in such a manner to create loud, unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or screeching of tires or other noise is hereby prohibited. ... (11)Vehicle maintenance or repair. The conducting, operation or maintaining any operation to repair, improve or enhance motorized vehicles within 500 feet of a residential dwelling so as to cause loud or disturbing noises is hereby prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18's noise article addresses vehicle-generated noise in two separate clauses. Subsection (b)(4), 'Use of vehicles,' prohibits operating any motor vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or so operated in such a manner to create loud, unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or screeching of tires or other noise. Subsection (b)(11), 'Vehicle maintenance or repair,' separately bans conducting, operating or maintaining any operation to repair, improve or enhance motorized vehicles within 500 feet of a residential dwelling so as to cause loud or disturbing noises, which reaches a driveway mechanic running a loud engine or grinder next door to a house.
A related clause, subsection (b)(1), bars sounding a vehicle horn, whistle or signal device for an unreasonable length of time or with unreasonably loud or harsh sound, except as a danger signal or as required by law. None of the vehicle-noise clauses set a decibel threshold; the test is whether the noise is loud, unnecessary or disturbing under the circumstances. The Florence County Sheriff's Department enforces the section under subsection (e), and subsection (c) exempts lawfully permitted vehicle races from these restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Operating an out-of-repair or overloaded vehicle that grates, grinds or screeches, running vehicle repair work within 500 feet of a home loudly enough to disturb residents, or leaning on a horn beyond what a danger signal requires are each misdemeanors under Sec. 18-1(f), punishable by up to a $200.00 fine or 15 days in jail, prosecuted in Florence County Magistrate's Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor be cited for working on cars loudly in his driveway?
Is there a rule against loud mufflers or grinding tires in unincorporated Florence County?
Can I honk my horn as long as I want?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Florence County
Compare Florence County to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview
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