Vehicle noise is governed by state motor-vehicle sound levels, applied locally. Reading forbids operating a vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way that exceeds the sound levels set in Pennsylvania Code Title 67, Chapter 157, and bans removing mufflers.
Statewide, Pennsylvania Code Title 67, Chapter 157 sets established motor-vehicle sound levels; municipalities enforce them. Reading Code §387-105.A bars operating a motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way in a manner that exceeds those Title 67 Chapter 157 levels. Reading also bans idling a stationary vehicle over 15 minutes within 150 feet of a residence (§387-105.B), unnecessary horn blowing (§387-105.C), and — under §387-104.I — removing or defeating a muffler or sound-dissipative device. Sound trucks are capped at the same vehicle-noise ceiling.
Reading violations carry a $25–$1,000 fine plus costs per day; state vehicle-equipment violations carry separate PennDOT/Vehicle Code fines.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Berks County's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
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