Gresham, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulated source
- Vehicle engines, exhaust systems
- Night limit
- 50 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Day limit
- 60 dBA, 7am-10pm
- Max fine
- $1,000
Summary
Vehicle engines and exhaust systems count as a regulated sound producing source under Gresham's noise code: loud aftermarket exhausts or revving engines off normal street traffic must stay under the city's decibel limits.
Sound Producing Source. Anything that is capable of making sounds that can be measured by a sound level meter as provided in GRC 7.20.040(1). "Sound producing source" includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) air conditioning or heating units, heat pumps, refrigeration units (including those mounted on vehicles), and swimming pool or hot tub pumps;
(2) air horns, bells, or sirens;
(3) audio or visual equipment;
(4) domestic tools, including chain saws, electric drills, electric saws, hammers, lawn mowers, leaf/snow blowers, and similar tools;
(5) loudspeakers or public address systems;
(6) musical instruments;
(7) spoken speech;
(8) vehicle engines or exhaust systems, other than regular traffic upon a highway, road or street;
(7) 28
GRESHAM REVISED CODE
(9) vehicle tires, when caused to squeal by excessive speed or acceleration;
(10) residential parties in a place of
residence that are plainly audible to noise sensitive
units that are not the source of the party.
Vehicle. Any device in, upon, or by which any person, animal, or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway and includes vehicles that are propelled or powered by any means.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
GRC 7.20.030 defines vehicle engines and exhaust systems as a regulated sound producing source, carving out only 'regular traffic upon a highway, road or street.' That means a car or motorcycle idling, revving, or running a modified exhaust on private property or off normal roadway travel is measured against the same limits as any other noise source: no more than 50 dBA at night and 60 dBA during the day at a nearby noise-sensitive property, under GRC 7.20.040(1).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the dBA limit carries a fine up to $1,000 under GRC 7.20.040(4), and an officer may seize and impound the offending equipment under GRC 7.20.060(1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gresham regulate loud car exhausts?
Is normal street traffic covered?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gresham
Compare Gresham to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Multnomah County handle vehicle noise.