Georgetown, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Vehicle and exhaust noise in Georgetown is addressed both by the city Noise Control ordinance and by Texas state law. The City's noise-complaint guidance specifically lists 'car alarms' and 'vehicle exhaust' as the kinds of disturbances residents should report to the non-emergency Police Department, and vehicle noise can be measured against the maximum decibel levels in Section 8.16.030 (for example, 63 decibels daytime and 56 decibels nighttime in residential areas, or 70/63 on commercial property). A Chapter 8.16 violation carries the penalty under Section 1.08.010. The primary tool for loud exhaust, however, is statewide: Texas Transportation Code Section 547.604 requires every motor vehicle to have a muffler in good working condition that operates continuously to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and prohibits using a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device. Texas does not set a numeric decibel limit for vehicles, so officers apply the 'excessive or unusual' standard. Loud revving, modified exhaust, or thumping car stereos can also be cited as disorderly conduct under Texas Penal Code Section 42.01. Drivers with aftermarket exhaust should ensure the system is not a cutout or bypass and does not produce excessive noise.