Fort Worth, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- City Code § 23-8
- Residential day limit
- 70 dBA, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Residential night limit
- 60 dBA, 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
- Maximum fine
- $500 per offense
- Enforcement
- Police and Code Compliance
Summary
Fort Worth's noise ordinance, City Code Section 23-8, makes it unlawful to run a vehicle so out of repair or loaded that it creates loud grating, grinding or rattling noise, or to sound a horn except as a danger or warning signal.
Horns or other signal devices. The continued or frequent sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle except as a danger or warning signal; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.
f. Operation of vehicles. The running of any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, jarring or rattling noise or vibrations.
(e) Exemptions. The following acts and sounds shall be exempt from the requirements of this section:
(1) Noise generated due to normal building conditioning and ventilation and property maintenance;
(2) Noise generated on public and school property, as permitted by the property owner;
(3) Noise generated by an outdoor event that is permitted as described in §
Full Breakdown
Section 23-8 attacks vehicle noise on two fronts. Subsection (d)(2)f bans running any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle 'so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, jarring or rattling noise or vibrations.' Subsection (d)(2)e bars the continued or frequent sounding of any horn or signal device except as a danger or warning signal. Separately, sound crossing a residential property line cannot exceed 70 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. or 60 dBA overnight. The Fort Worth Police Department and Code Compliance Department enforce it, and each violation carries a fine of up to $500.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Fort Worth police and Code Compliance. Each occurrence, or each day a violation continues, is a separate offense punishable by a fine of up to $500; the noise is also abatable as a nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud exhaust or rattling vehicle illegal in Fort Worth?
Does Fort Worth measure vehicle noise by distance or decibels?
What is the penalty for a noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle vehicle noise.