Forsyth County, NC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- County car-audio distance
- Disturbing at 100 feet
- Winston-Salem car-audio distance
- Noise at 50 feet
- Also covers
- Defective/loud vehicles, horns
- Citations
- County Sec. 15-1(c); WS Sec. 46-36
- Penalty
- Class 3 misdemeanor, up to $500
Summary
Forsyth County Code Sec. 15-1 bans playing a radio or amplifier in a vehicle on public right-of-way loud enough to be disturbing at 100 feet, and covers loud, defective or improperly loaded vehicles. Winston-Salem tightens the car-audio distance to 50 feet under Sec. 46-36.
No person shall cause, allow or permit the operating or playing of any radio, tape player or similar device that reproduces or amplifies sound in such a manner as to create noise at 50 feet from the device or vehicle containing that device when the device or vehicle is being operated in or on a public right-of-way or public space.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).
Full Breakdown
County Sec. 15-1(c)(1) makes it unlawful to operate a radio, tape player or similar device in or on a public right-of-way so as to produce disturbing noise 100 feet from the vehicle. Sec. 15-1(b)(4) also targets vehicles so out of repair or loaded as to cause loud grating, grinding or rattling, and (b)(2) covers unreasonable horn use. Within Winston-Salem, Sec. 46-36 sets a stricter standard: no radio, tape player or similar device may create noise 50 feet from the vehicle when operated on a public right-of-way or public space. Emergency and farm operations are exempt from the county provision.
Violations & Fines
Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, fine up to $500 under both the county and city provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be?
Is a loud exhaust or rattling load covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Forsyth County
Compare Forsyth County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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