Marion County, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Salem idling limit
- Over 10 minutes, night, audible indoors
- County idling limit
- Over 15 minutes, night, audible indoors
- Jake brakes
- Banned except to avoid danger
- Exhaust noise
- Governed by ORS 815.250
- Citations
- SRC 93.020(e)-(g); MCC 8.45.060(D)
Summary
Idling an engine over ten consecutive minutes so it's plainly audible in a dwelling at night is unlawful in Salem. Dynamic (jake) braking is banned except to avoid danger, and loud exhaust is governed by ORS 815.250.
It shall be unlawful to operate any idling engine for more than ten consecutive minutes in a manner that is plainly audible within any dwelling unit between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. of the following day.
Full Breakdown
Salem Revised Code 93.020 bars several vehicle noises per se: dynamic braking devices except to avoid imminent danger (f/e), idling engines over ten consecutive minutes audible in a dwelling 10 p.m.–7 a.m. (f), and motor-vehicle repair or testing audible in a dwelling at night (g). Marion County mirrors these in MCC 8.45.060(D), and MCC 8.45.020 lists motor-vehicle engines and exhausts as sound-producing devices. Both codes defer to state law (ORS 815.250) for exhaust noise, except an engine idling more than 15 minutes audible in a dwelling at night stays a violation (MCC 8.45.080(L)).
Violations & Fines
Vehicle-noise violations are infractions in Salem and Class A violations in the county. Loud modified exhaust is enforced under ORS 815.250.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are engine brakes (jake brakes) legal?
How long can a truck idle at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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