Prince William County, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Motorcycle limit
- 82 / 86 dBA at 50 feet
- Car audio limit
- Not audible 50 ft away
- Muffler required
- VA Code § 46.2-1049
- Tire spinning / revving
- Prohibited
- Code section
- PWC Code § 14-5(1)-(2)
Summary
Prince William County Code § 14-5 sets a vehicular decibel table (e.g., motorcycles 82 dBA at 35 mph or less, 86 dBA above) measured 50 feet away, and bans tire spinning, engine racing, and missing mufflers. Virginia Code § 46.2-1049 requires a working exhaust system.
No person shall drive and no owner of a vehicle shall permit or allow the operation of any such vehicle on a highway unless it is equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual levels of noise.
Full Breakdown
Section 14-5(1)(a) caps roadway vehicle noise measured at 50 feet or more: 86/90 dBA for motor vehicles of 6,000 lbs GVWR or more, 82/86 dBA for motorcycles, and 76/82 dBA for other vehicles (at 35 mph or less / over 35 mph). Section 14-5(2) prohibits noise from spinning tires, racing engines, or the absence of a muffler/exhaust conforming to Virginia Code §§ 46.2-1047 and 46.2-1049. Loud car audio audible 50 feet from a vehicle on a public street or parking lot is also barred under § 14-5(8).
Violations & Fines
County noise violations are Class 4 misdemeanors (first offense), Class 3 for a repeat within 365 days. A defective-exhaust violation under Virginia Code § 46.2-1049 is a separate traffic offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are loud exhausts illegal in Prince William County?
Is loud car stereo audio a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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