Gulfport, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 14-36 lists prohibited noises that fall under the broader nuisance-noise rule in section 14-35, and two of its ten categories target vehicles directly. Subsection (7), use of vehicle, makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle that is so loaded, or whose load is so insecurely attached or not attached, that it causes excessive and unnecessary noise, covering rattling trailers, loose truck beds and unsecured cargo. Subsection (8), vehicle in disrepair, separately bars operating a motor vehicle whose brakes or other parts are in such a state of repair or adjustment that they cause excessive and unnecessary noise, the provision that reaches a blown muffler, a dragging exhaust pipe or worn brake hardware that squeals or grinds.

Both violations are enforced the same way as the rest of the noise chapter: under section 14-37, a police officer who witnesses the noise summons the driver on the spot, or a resident can appear before an officer and request a summons be issued. No decibel meter is required for either subsection, since the standard is excessive and unnecessary noise rather than a numeric threshold, unlike the 65/55 dBA limits set in section 14-35 for general ambient noise. 00 fine, up to sixty days in jail, or both, and every twenty-four-hour period the disrepair or loose load continues on city streets counts as a new offense.