Gary, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Gary Municipal Code § 28-165 declares it unlawful to use any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle that is so out of repair, so loaded, or operated in such a manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise, covering both mechanical disrepair (a failing muffler or loose parts) and overloading as noise sources. Section 28-166 separately governs horns and signaling devices: sounding a horn is unlawful except as a danger warning, and the section bars creating any unreasonably loud or harsh sound with a signaling device or sounding one for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.

It further requires that signaling devices be operated only by hand or electricity, prohibiting horns or whistles powered by engine exhaust, and bars sounding a horn merely because traffic is backed up. A related provision, § 28-169, separately requires that exhaust from steam engines, motor vehicles and motor boats discharge through a muffler or device effective at preventing loud or explosive noises, reinforcing that unmuffled vehicle noise is regulated from multiple angles under this division. State law on vehicle horns and sirens, IC 9-19-5-1 et seq., is cross-referenced at the end of § 28-166.