Jefferson Parish, LA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Subsection (i) of Sec. 20-102 targets vehicle noise directly. No person may operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle that lacks a muffler in good working order and constant operation, and removing or rendering a muffler or sound-dissipative device inoperative is unlawful except for maintenance, repair or replacement. The section then reaches car stereos: subject to the exemptions in subsection (g), no one may operate or play a radio, television, phonograph, stereo, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device in a manner that creates a noise disturbance audible at fifty feet from the vehicle, when the vehicle is on a public right-of-way or in a public space.

Unlike most of the section, which routes violations through the general Code penalty at section 1-10, subsection (i) sets its own escalating fine schedule: fifty dollars for a first offense, one hundred dollars for a second, and two hundred fifty dollars for a third and every offense after that. The rest of the noise ordinance backs this provision up: subsection (h)(2) separately bars playing a radio or similar device in a motor vehicle or public park loud enough to be plainly audible at fifty feet, and horns or signaling devices sounded continuously for more than sixty seconds, other than as a danger warning, are a separate violation under subsection (h)(1).

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office enforces the section under subsection (d), and it applies throughout the unincorporated parish, not inside Gretna, Kenner, Harahan or Westwego, which enforce their own municipal codes.