Lake County, IL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility limit
- 100 feet from source vehicle
- Decibel limit
- 70 dB(A) at residential property line
- Applies where
- Unincorporated Lake County only
- Max fine
- $1,000 per offense
- Enforcement
- Administrative adjudication or circuit court
Summary
In unincorporated Lake County, car stereos and sound systems can't be heard 100+ feet from the vehicle or exceed 70 dB(A) at a neighboring residential property line.
Sound amplification. It is a public nuisance to operate or permit operation of any radio or stereo sound amplification system or other sound amplification equipment which: (1) Can be heard at a distance of 100 feet or more from the source vehicle; (2) Can be heard at a distance of 100 feet from the property line of the source property; or (3) Which exceeds 70db(A) (slow meter response) at the property line of any neighboring property zoned and used for residential purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 26-0618, passed 6-9-2026 | State legislation current through ILCS Pamphlet 2025 #5).
Full Breakdown
Lake County's public nuisance ordinance bans operating a vehicle radio, stereo, or other sound amplification system that can be heard 100 feet or more from the source vehicle, that can be heard 100 feet from the source property line, or that exceeds 70 dB(A) (slow meter response) at the property line of any neighboring residential property. Under § 94.02, this specific provision, § 94.07(A), applies only in unincorporated Lake County. Waukegan, North Chicago, Highland Park, Gurnee, Libertyville, and the county's many other municipalities enforce their own noise codes within their corporate limits.
Violations & Fines
Public nuisance violation; fined up to $1,000 per offense under § 10.99, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense, enforced via administrative adjudication or the 19th Judicial Circuit Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside Waukegan or Highland Park?
How is the sound measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lake County
Compare Lake County to another location·View the Illinois noise ordinances overview
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