Idaho Falls, ID Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility standard
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- First offense
- Infraction, fine by resolution
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor within 1 year
- Also banned
- Nighttime music, midnight-8am
Summary
Idaho Falls bans glass-packed mufflers, loud tailpipes, and other sound-emitting vehicle modifications that are plainly audible from 50 feet, enforced under the City's nuisance noise ordinance as an infraction offense.
(5) Excessive Vehicle Noise. No person shall use, operate, or permit to be used, attached, installed, or operated from a vehicle glass packed mufflers, loud tailpipes, and similar amplified or unamplified sound emitting devices, modification, or apparatuses in or on a motor vehicle that is plainly audible noise.
(6) Construction Noise in Residential Areas: No person shall create, continue, or cause any plainly audible noise within an area that is zoned residential that is created by construction activities, between the hours of 12:00 am to 5:30 am.
(D) EXCEPTIONS: It shall be a defense to prosecution under this Section that the person cited for violation was engaged in any of the following:
(1) Emergency and Public Interest. A governmental agency or person acting within the course and scope of such governmental authority who was operating an
CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS 244 emergency vehicle, engaged in Emergency Work and/or Public Works activities, including but not limited to repairs or construction in the interest of public health and/or traffic flow.
(2) Lawful Parades and Special Events. Any person or vehicle engaged in a lawful parade or a City permitted special event involving sirens, exhaust, music, loudspeakers, and associated noises for the duration of the parade or the special event.
Full Breakdown
Idaho Falls City Code § 5-4-11(C)(5) prohibits using, operating, installing, or attaching glass-packed mufflers, loud tailpipes, or similar amplified or unamplified sound-emitting devices, modifications, or apparatuses on a motor vehicle that create plainly audible noise. 'Plainly audible' means detectable by unaided hearing from 50 feet away. The prohibition sits within the City's broader Nuisance Noise ordinance, which also bars amplified vehicle sound systems and nighttime music. A first violation is an infraction; a second violation within one calendar year becomes a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine set by City Council resolution. The rule applies citywide in Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho.
Violations & Fines
A first offense is an infraction with a Council-set fine; a second violation of the noise section within one calendar year is a misdemeanor under § 5-4-11(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud exhaust or aftermarket muffler illegal in Idaho Falls?
What's the penalty for excessive vehicle noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Idaho Falls
Compare Idaho Falls to another location·View the Idaho noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.