Kennewick, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo audibility limit
- not audible beyond 50 feet
- Bass frequency ban
- below 138 Hz, any amount
- Exhaust exemption
- vehicles 25+ years old
- Governing section
- KMC § 11.36.120
Summary
Kennewick requires working mufflers, bans amplified exhaust and audible car stereos beyond 50 feet, and restricts jake brakes.
No person who is the operator or owner of a vehicle shall permit any audio system in or on that vehicle to make any sound audible outside the passenger compartment at a frequency below 138 Hz or that is otherwise amplified by a subwoofer or to allow the sound of other audible frequencies for more than 50 feet outside the passenger compartment.(6)Exemptions. The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to noise caused by auxiliary equipment on motor vehicles used for highway maintenance, nor to noise caused in the performance of emergency work for the immediate safety, health, or welfare of the community or of the individuals of the community, or to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity.(7)Monetary Penalties. The monetary penalty for violation of this Section shall be the same as provided by court rule pursuant to RCW 46.63.110. (Ord. 5276 Sec. 1, 2009; Ord. 5237 Sec. 1, 2008; Ord. 5200 Sec. 1, 2007; Ord. 3997 Sec. 1, 2001; Ord. 3883 Sec. 1, 1999; Ord. 3754 Sec. 1, 1997; Ord. 3751 Sec. 1, 1997; Ord. 3690 Sec. 1, 1996; Ord. 3185 Sec. 1, 1989; Ord. 3060 Sec. 3(part), 1987; Ord. 2089 Sec. 2(part), 1977)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 19 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Kennewick Municipal Code § 11.36.120 requires every motor vehicle to run a functioning exhaust system and muffler, bars muffler cut-outs or bypass devices, and prohibits modifying an exhaust to amplify engine noise above the factory-installed level (vehicles 25+ years old and sanctioned racing events are exempt from the amplification ban). Tire squealing from rapid acceleration and unnecessary jake-brake noise are also prohibited. Vehicle audio systems may not be audible more than 50 feet outside the passenger compartment, or produce sound below 138 Hz or subwoofer-amplified bass audible outside the vehicle at all.
Violations & Fines
Monetary penalties follow the schedule set by court rule under RCW 46.63.110, per KMC § 11.36.120(7); violations are civil infractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run an aftermarket exhaust in Kennewick?
Is a loud car stereo illegal in Kennewick?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kennewick
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