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Grove City, OH Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Law
ORC 4513.221
Stereo Rule
50 feet plainly audible
Muffler
Required
Fine
100 to 150 dollars

Summary

Grove City enforces ORC 4513.221 prohibiting modified exhaust, loud stereos, and squealing tires. Vehicle noise plainly audible 50 feet from the vehicle can result in a traffic citation.

(A) The board of county commissioners of any county, and the board of township trustees of any township subject to section 505.17 of the Revised Code, may regulate passenger car and motorcycle noise on streets and highways under their jurisdiction. Such regulations shall include maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels, subject to the requirements of this section. (B) Regulations establishing maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels shall prohibit the operation, within the speed limits specified herein, of a passenger car or motorcycle of a type subject to registration at any time or under any condition of load, acceleration, or deceleration in such manner as to exceed the following maximum noise limits, based on a distance of not less than fifty feet from the center of the line of travel: (1) For passenger cars: (a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of seventy decibels; (b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of seventy-nine decibels. (2) For motorcycles: (a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of eighty-two decibels; (b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of eighty-six decibels. (C) Maximum noise limits established pursuant to division (B) of this section shall be measured on the "A" scale of a standard sound level meter meeting the applicable requirements for a type 2 sound level meter as defined in American national standards institute standard S1.4 - 1983, or the most recent revision thereof.

Full Breakdown

Ohio state law requires all motor vehicles to have a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive or unusual noise. Grove City Police issue citations for modified exhaust, straight pipes, and aftermarket sound systems audible from a distance. The 50-foot plainly audible rule is commonly used for vehicle stereo complaints. Enforcement is heavier along Broadway and Stringtown Road.

Violations & Fines

Minor misdemeanor traffic offense. Fine typically 100 to 150 dollars plus court costs. Vehicle may be ordered corrected before re-registration.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Grove City

All Grove City rules

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