Kokomo, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Motor vehicle dB limit
- 83 dB(A) at 15 feet
- Muffler requirement
- Required on exhaust, § 132.03(B)(6)
- Horn use restricted
- Except as danger warning, § 132.03(B)(1)
- Tire squeal banned
- § 132.03(B)(8)
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250
- Enforcing agency
- Kokomo Police Department
Summary
In the City of Kokomo, motor vehicle noise is capped at 83 dB(A) measured 15 feet from the source anywhere in the city, and the code separately bans unmuffled exhaust, unnecessary horn use, excessive engine noise, and tire squeal. Violations are infractions carrying fines up to $1,000 for repeat offenses.
§ 132.02 NOISE LIMIT. ... It shall be unlawful for any person to cause noise levels from the operation or use of motor vehicles in excess of 83 dB(A) in any area within the corporation limits of the city at any time. Such noise level limit shall be measured at a distance of not less than 15 feet from the noise source. ... § 132.03 PROHIBITED NOISES. ... (1) The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any motor vehicle on any street or public place except as a danger warning ... (6) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom. (7) The use of any motor vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or in such a manner as to create loud and unnecessary engine noise, grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise. (8) The operation of any motor vehicle in such a manner as to create excessive noise such as squealing of tires or other noise unrelated to engine noise or normal operation and noise created by unnecessary grinding, rattling, or other vehicle disrepair.
Full Breakdown
Kokomo Code of Ordinances § 132.02 sets a flat noise limit for motor vehicles: it is unlawful to cause noise from the operation or use of a motor vehicle in excess of 83 dB(A) anywhere within the corporation limits, measured at not less than 15 feet from the source. Section 132.03(B) adds conduct-based prohibitions that apply regardless of a decibel reading. Paragraph (1) bars sounding a horn or signaling device except as a danger warning, or in an unreasonably loud, raucous, or prolonged manner, including horns operated by engine exhaust.
Paragraph (6) requires a muffler or other device on the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle to prevent loud or explosive noise. Paragraph (7) bans operating a motor vehicle so out of repair, overloaded, or otherwise operated as to create loud, unnecessary engine noise, grating, grinding, or rattling. Paragraph (8) separately targets excessive noise unrelated to normal engine operation, specifically squealing tires and noise from vehicle disrepair. The Kokomo Police Department enforces these provisions on the street, and the chapter cross-references traffic noise rules at § 71.04.
Violations & Fines
Under § 132.99, any violation of the noise chapter, including the motor vehicle provisions, is an infraction punishable by up to $250 for a first offense, up to $500 for a second offense, and up to $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense. A noise complainant must give their name and address to police and appear as a witness if the citation is contested in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for cars in Kokomo?
Can I get a ticket for a loud exhaust or muffler in Kokomo?
Does honking my horn or squealing my tires violate Kokomo's noise code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kokomo
Compare Kokomo to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
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