Georgetown, KY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Vehicle noise in Georgetown is covered by Georgetown Code § 28-34(b)(5), in Chapter 28, Article II (Noise). The paragraph is headed 'Noise not otherwise prohibited (in specific provisions above)' and reaches noise from any other source, including, but not limited to, barking dogs, car engines, human voices and fireworks.

Car engines are named in that list. Engine noise is a noise disturbance when it is plainly audible in any of four situations: from the source of the noise through the walls separating dwelling units within the same multifamily building; from the source to within a dwelling unit located on another property; from the source within the right-of-way to within a dwelling unit; or from the source at a distance of 50 feet or greater. Section 28-34(a) defines plainly audible as noise a reasonable person of normal sensitivities can hear with unaided hearing, and says the listener does not need to make out specific characteristics, only that the noise is heard.

Vehicle stereos are handled in a different paragraph. Section 28-34(b)(1) covers radios, television sets, musical instruments, phonographs, and similar devices, including motor vehicle sound equipment, and uses the same four audibility tests. This page therefore covers engine noise, and the sound-equipment rule is the one to read for a car stereo.

The sections reviewed print no muffler standard, no decibel limit, and no engine-brake rule. The test is audibility, and nothing in the paragraph sets a time-of-day window.

According to § 28-36, a violation of the noise article is a criminal violation, enforced by uniform citation by a police officer or citation officer. Penalties are $50.00 for a first offense, $100.00 for a second offense within 12 months, and $200.00 for a third and subsequent offenses within 12 months. Section 28-35 exempts governmental vehicles and equipment while in use for municipal purposes.