Garland, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Light vehicles/motorcycles
- 80 dBA
- Heavy motor carriers
- 96 dBA
- Measured at
- 25 feet from lane
- Exhaust
- Muffler required; no cutouts
- Enforced by
- City Health Department
Summary
Garland caps on-road vehicle noise at 80 dBA for vehicles under 10,000 pounds and 96 dBA for heavier motor carriers, measured 25 feet from the near side of the nearest lane. Straight-pipe exhausts, cutouts, and tire-squealing are separately banned.
No person shall drive or move or permit to be driven or moved a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles at any time on a public right-of-way ... in such a manner as to exceed the sound limits set forth in the table below ... Measurements shall be made at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet ... Class 1. Any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or combination of vehicles towed by any motor vehicle with a GVWR or GCWR less than 10,000 pounds [—] 80 dbA[.] Class 2. Any motor carrier vehicle with a GVWR or GCWR of 10,000 pounds or more [—] 96 dbA.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
Under Garland Code Sec. 22.71, no one may drive a motor vehicle on a public right-of-way so as to exceed 80 dBA (Class 1, GVWR/GCWR under 10,000 lbs, including motorcycles) or 96 dBA (Class 2, 10,000 lbs or more) where the posted speed is 40 mph or less, measured at 25 feet. Every vehicle must keep a working muffler with intact baffles and its original tail pipe or resonator, with no cutout or bypass. Squealing or screeching tires from rapid acceleration or cornering is unlawful. A vehicle-mounted loudspeaker (Sec. 22.70(A)(3)) is prohibited unless a variance is obtained. The City Health Department enforces and may stop suspected vehicles.
Violations & Fines
A Class C misdemeanor. Health Department inspectors may stop any suspected vehicle on a right-of-way and issue a citation, notice of violation, or abatement order; penalties follow Code section 10.05.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car be in Garland?
Are loud modified exhausts legal?
Can I run a loudspeaker mounted on my vehicle?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle vehicle noise.