Hempstead, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle noise ban
- Disturbance across residential property line
- Exhaust requirement
- Muffler or sound-dissipative device required
- Horn use
- Warning signal only, per VTL
- Maximum penalty
- $250 fine or 15 days jail
- Enforcement
- Nassau County Police, unincorporated Town area
Summary
Hempstead bars operating any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle in a way that creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, and separately requires every internal-combustion engine or motor vehicle exhaust to run through a muffler or other sound-dissipative device. Both rules sit in § 144-3(D) and § 144-3(F) of the Unreasonable Noise chapter.
D. The use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary. ... F. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine or motor vehicle, except through a muffler or other sound-dissipative device which effectively will prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863878; v67 updated 2026-04-28; through 04-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 144-3(D) makes it an offense to use 'any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary,' reaching revving engines, aftermarket exhaust noise, tire squealing and stereo bass that carries onto a neighbor's residential lot. ' Together, the two subsections cover both how a vehicle is driven and how its exhaust system is built or modified. Subsection A of the same section separately allows a vehicle horn only 'as a warning signal pursuant to the provisions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law,' so using a horn to express anger or get attention, rather than to warn of danger, is its own separate offense.
None of these rules set a decibel figure; the operative test under § 144-1 is whether the sound is a 'noise disturbance,' meaning it endangers health or safety or would annoy or disturb a person of normal sensitivity. Nassau County police, who patrol most of the unincorporated Town, can stop and ticket a vehicle for an aftermarket exhaust or a stereo audible across a residential boundary under this chapter.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 144-3(D) or § 144-3(F) is punishable under § 144-7 by a fine of up to $250, imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both, for each offense. Police can write the violation at the scene without a prior warning, and a modified exhaust can also draw a separate equipment citation under the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Hempstead?
Can I honk my horn to get a neighbor's attention?
What if my car stereo is loud but I'm just driving through?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hempstead
New York rules heatmap·Compare Hempstead to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.