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Kent County, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
MCL 257.707 (statewide)
Requirement
Working muffler, no cutouts
Applies to
Cars, motorcycles, mopeds
Enforced by
State and local police
GR add-on
Sec. 9.70 stereo limits ($50-$100)

Summary

Michigan law requires every motor vehicle, including motorcycles and mopeds, to have a working muffler that prevents excessive or unusual noise, and bans muffler cutouts and bypasses. This statute (MCL 257.707) applies statewide across all of Kent County.

City-specific rules exist: Wyoming, and Grand Rapids have their own vehicle noise rules that differ from Kent County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

A motor vehicle, including a motorcycle or moped, shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. A person shall not remove, destroy, or damage any of the baffles contained in the muffler.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Vehicle noise in Kent County is governed primarily by state statute, not the county. MCL 257.707 mandates a muffler in good working order and constant operation and forbids removing muffler baffles or using a cutout, bypass, or similar device. Kent County has no separate motor-vehicle noise ordinance; enforcement is by the Michigan State Police and local police under the Vehicle Code. Grand Rapids layers on its own limits, including Sec. 9.63(6) barring horn use except as a danger warning and Sec. 9.70 limiting vehicle sound systems audible at 50 feet by day or 25 feet at night.

Violations & Fines

A muffler or exhaust violation under MCL 257.707 is a civil infraction under the Michigan Vehicle Code, ticketed by state or local police. Grand Rapids vehicle sound-system violations (Sec. 9.70) carry a fine of $50 to $100.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are loud exhausts illegal in Kent County?
Yes. Michigan law (MCL 257.707) requires a working muffler that prevents excessive or unusual noise and bans muffler cutouts and bypasses. It applies everywhere in the county.
Does Kent County have its own vehicle-noise rule?
No. The county relies on the state Vehicle Code. Cities like Grand Rapids add limits on horns and car stereos, but the muffler requirement comes from MCL 257.707.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Kent County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Kent County rules

Compare Kent County to another location·View the Michigan noise ordinances overview

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Vehicle Noise in Cities Across Kent County

Grand Rapids, MIWyoming, MI