Greece, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 139-4D of the Noise Law targets motor vehicles specifically. It provides that no person shall operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle in such a manner that the sound emitted is excessive noise as defined in this chapter and: the excessive noise is audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the vehicle when operated or parked on a public street, in a park, or other public place; or the excessive noise is audible at or beyond the property line when a vehicle is parked or operated on private property.

Because "excessive noise" is defined in Section 139-3 to include both the "reasonable person" disturbance standard and any sound over 85 decibels, a loud muffler, aftermarket exhaust, revved engine or blasting car stereo can violate Section 139-4D either by tripping the 25-foot or property-line audibility test or by independently exceeding the decibel threshold. Section 139-4D(2) carves out an exception for vehicles on a public street where New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 386, the state's own motor vehicle sound level limits, applies instead, avoiding a conflict between the Town rule and state highway noise standards.

Section 139-4E makes clear the rule reaches every motor vehicle "whether or not duly licensed or registered," so unregistered off-road or recreational vehicles, defined broadly in Section 139-3 to include motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, minibikes and trail bikes, are covered as well. Section 139-4C separately bars sounding a horn or other signaling device except as a genuine danger warning under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 375, Subdivision 1, and Section 139-4B bars operating a radio or similar device on a bus or public conveyance loudly enough to be audible to another passenger.