Huntington, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Two adjoining subsections of § 141-4 cover mechanical vehicle noise. Subsection (E), Exhausts, makes it unlawful to discharge the exhaust of any internal-combustion engine, motorboat or motor vehicle into the open air except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises, targeting straight-piped or defective exhaust systems and modified mufflers. Subsection (F), Defect in vehicle or load, separately reaches the broader category of a car, motorcycle or other vehicle that is so out of repair, or so loaded, that it creates loud grating, grinding, rattling or other disturbing noise, covering things like a dragging muffler, loose body panels, or an improperly secured load banging against a truck bed.

Neither subsection sets a decibel limit; both rely on the qualitative 'noise disturbance' standard defined in § 141-2 as noise that endangers health or annoys a reasonable person of normal sensitivities. A separate subsection, § 141-4(B), also reaches horns and signaling devices used other than as a danger warning or sounded for an unreasonable time. Enforcement is typically initiated by Town Public Safety or police based on a complaint or observed condition, and the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication can process the same range of civil penalties without a criminal charge.