Kingsport, TN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Kingsport, Tennessee, regulates vehicle noise in Chapter 98, Article X (Secs. 98-619 to 98-627). Section 98-623(a) sets three prohibitions. Subsection (1) bars operating a motor vehicle without a muffling device at least as effective as that installed as original equipment by the manufacturer. Subsection (2) sets sound limits measured at a distance of at least 25 feet: 85 dBA for a motorcycle and 80 dBA for any other motor vehicle, with vehicles of 10,000 pounds GVWR or GCWR or more held to the federal limits in 40 CFR 202.10 et seq. Subsection (3) prohibits sounding any horn or signaling device except as a danger warning. Motorboats on public waterways are capped at 86 dBA at 50 feet.

Section 98-627 covers stereos. No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway can operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 or more feet from the vehicle. Plainly audible means sound that clearly can be heard by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of 50 feet or more; words or phrases need not be discernible, and the sound includes bass reverberation. Emergency and public safety vehicles, government and utility vehicles during job-related operation, school or community sponsored activities, auctioneers and permitted public activities are exempt.

Measurement is by a Type 2 sound level meter meeting ANSI S1.4, calibrated at the time of measurement, with a windscreen and fast response (Secs. 98-619, 98-625). A certified officer who finds a violation issues a summons to appear before the city judge and must offer the operator a second meter test, scheduled no less than 72 hours after the summons. An operator who elects the second test but fails to appear with the vehicle is conclusively presumed to have committed the violation (Sec. 98-621). Any police officer, not only a certified officer, can issue a summons for a missing muffling device or improper horn use (Sec. 98-621(c)). Section 98-624 exempts emergency vehicles and sanctioned functions with a police department permit.