Island County, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Island County Code § 9.60.030(A)(3)
- Restricted hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Zoning scope
- Residential and rural residential zoned property
- Highway noise
- Deferred to Chapter 173-62 WAC, § 9.60.030(B)(7)
- 1st offense
- Class 4, $25.00
- 3rd offense
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000/90 days
Summary
Island County Code § 9.60.030(A)(3) bars frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. from starting, operating, repairing, rebuilding, or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine on residential or rural residential zoned property.
3.The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous noise between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine on residential and rural residential zoned property;
Full Breakdown
This clause targets vehicle and engine work noise separately from the horn/siren rule in (A)(2) and the vehicle-stereo rule in (A)(6). ' The zoning qualifier matters under Title XVII: it reaches noise on property zoned Rural Residential and other residential districts in unincorporated Island County, tying the prohibition to a specific zoning classification rather than applying countywide regardless of zone. 030(B)(7), which defers to noise regulated under Chapter 173-62 WAC, so this section is aimed at engine noise on private residential land, such as late-night vehicle repair, engine testing, or repeated off-highway vehicle riding near a home.
040(B) removes the need for a sound-level meter reading, so a documented pattern of nighttime engine noise complaints can support enforcement. 00 Class 2 civil infraction on a second, and a misdemeanor of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail on a third or later offense within the year. 80 RCW procedures.
Violations & Fines
Running, repairing, rebuilding, or testing a motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine on residential or rural residential zoned property between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. violates § 9.60.030(A)(3). A first offense in a year is a $25.00 Class 4 civil infraction, a second is a $125.00 Class 2 civil infraction, and a third or later offense within the year becomes a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 in fines and 90 days in jail under § 9.60.040(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on my car at night in unincorporated Island County?
Does this rule cover noise from cars driving on the road?
What is the penalty for repeated late-night engine noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Island County
Compare Island County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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