Kalamazoo, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Motorcycle/moped limit
- 86 dB(A) at 50 ft (>35 mph)
- Truck/combination limit
- 90 dB(A) at 50 ft (>35 mph)
- Stationary run-up, other vehicles
- 95 dB(A) at 20 in. from tailpipe
- Muffler requirement
- Working exhaust system mandatory
- Banned equipment
- Cutout, bypass, amplifier devices
- First offense fine
- $200 civil infraction
Summary
City Code § 21-7.C sets dB(A) ceilings for vehicles on Kalamazoo streets, from 82 dB(A) for cars to 90 dB(A) for heavy trucks, and separately bans driving with a defective, missing or cut-out muffler. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers enforce both the numeric limits and the equipment rule under Chapter 21.
A motor vehicle shall not be operated or driven on a highway or street if the motor vehicle produces total vehicle noise exceeding one of the following limits: Maximum Lawful Speed of Street or Highway Stationary Run-Up Test Greater than 35 miles per hour Not more than 35 miles per hour ... Motor ... cycle or moped 86 dB(A) at 50 feet 82 dB(A) at 50 feet 95 dB(A) at 75 inches ... A person shall not operate a vehicle on a highway or street if the vehicle has a defect in the exhaust system which affects sound reduction, is not equipped with a muffler or other noise-dissipative device, or is equipped with a cutout, bypass, amplifier or a similar device.
Full Breakdown
Section 21-7.C(1)(a) requires every motor vehicle on a City street to carry 'an exhaust system in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise' and to stay under the noise limits the subsection sets. Section 21-7.C(1)(b) then lists a table of maximum total-vehicle-noise levels by category and test type: a motorcycle or moped may not exceed 86 dB(A) at 50 feet on a street posted above 35 mph, 82 dB(A) at 50 feet at 35 mph or under, or 95 dB(A) on a stationary run-up test measured 75 inches from the tailpipe; trucks and combination vehicles of 8,500 pounds or more are capped at 90/86 dB(A) at 50 feet and 88 dB(A) stationary; other towed combinations are capped at 82/76 dB(A) at 50 feet and 95 dB(A) at 20 inches from the tailpipe.
Section 21-7.C(1)(c) separately bars driving with any exhaust defect that affects sound reduction, without a muffler or noise-dissipative device, or with a cutout, bypass or amplifier fitted. Sections 21-7.C(1)(d) and (e) extend liability to anyone who modifies, repairs or replaces exhaust parts, or sells or installs a muffler, in a way that pushes the vehicle over these limits. Test procedures follow the state standard at MCLA § 257.707e.
Violations & Fines
Operating a vehicle over the applicable dB(A) limit, or with a defective, missing or bypassed muffler, is a municipal civil infraction under § 21-5.D: $200 for a first offense, up to $500 for each day a subsequent violation continues. Anyone who sells, installs or modifies exhaust equipment that puts a vehicle over the limit is liable under the same section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car legally be on a Kalamazoo street?
Is it illegal to remove my car's muffler?
Can a shop that installs my exhaust get in trouble too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kalamazoo
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