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Lakewood, OH Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

State Law
ORC 4513.221
Local Code
LCO 333.11
Audibility
50 feet
Enforcement
Active on main avenues

Summary

Modified exhaust, loud stereos, and squealing tires in Lakewood are prohibited under LCO 333.11 and ORC 4513.221. Lakewood PD enforces actively on Clifton Boulevard, Detroit Avenue, and Lake Avenue.

(A) The board of county commissioners of any county, and the board of township trustees of any township subject to section 505.17 of the Revised Code, may regulate passenger car and motorcycle noise on streets and highways under their jurisdiction. Such regulations shall include maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels, subject to the requirements of this section.

(B) Regulations establishing maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels shall prohibit the operation, within the speed limits specified herein, of a passenger car or motorcycle of a type subject to registration at any time or under any condition of load, acceleration, or deceleration in such manner as to exceed the following maximum noise limits, based on a distance of not less than fifty feet from the center of the line of travel:

(1) For passenger cars:

(a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of seventy decibels;

(b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of seventy-nine decibels.

(2) For motorcycles:

(a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of eighty-two decibels;

(b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of eighty-six decibels.

Full Breakdown

Lakewood adopts ORC 4513.221 which requires every motor vehicle to have a muffler in good working order preventing excessive or unusual noise. Local Section 333.11 covers reckless operation including squealing tires, revving engines, and loud stereo bass plainly audible at 50 feet. Lakewood Police run targeted enforcement along the Gold Coast (Lake and Edgewater) and the Detroit-Warren district. Modified exhausts without OEM-equivalent mufflers fail inspection and trigger equipment violations.

Violations & Fines

Minor misdemeanor: 150 dollars. Equipment violation: repair order and re-inspection. Repeat: M4 up to 250 dollars.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lakewood

All Lakewood rules

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