Lakewood, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC 8.36.010(B)(2),(5),(7)
- Stereo distance test
- Audible over 50 ft from vehicle
- Repair/testing noise
- Restricted in residential districts
- First penalty
- Civil fine up to $250
- Repeat penalty (2 yrs)
- Civil fine up to $500
Summary
Lakewood, Washington's noise ordinance makes three kinds of vehicle sound a public disturbance: repeated repair or engine-testing noise in a residential district, a car stereo audible more than 50 feet away, and tire squeal from hard acceleration or braking. A first violation draws a civil penalty of up to $250.
2. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property. ... ... 5. Sound from motor vehicle audio sound systems, such as tape players, radios and compact disc players, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself. ... ... 7. The squealing, screeching or other such sounds from motor vehicle tires in contact with the ground or other roadway surface because of rapid acceleration, braking or excessive speed around corners or because of such other reason; provided, that sounds which result from actions which are necessary to avoid danger shall be exempt from this section.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 852, passed June 15, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010(B) in Pierce County's City of Lakewood lists specific vehicle sounds as "public disturbance noises" under the general prohibition in subsection (A). Subsection (B)(2) targets "frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential district" that unreasonably disturbs neighbors' peace and comfort, covering backyard mechanics and engine tuning as much as through-traffic. Subsection (B)(5) separately bans motor vehicle audio systems, tape players, radios and CD players, played loud enough to be heard more than 50 feet from the vehicle itself, so the test is distance, not decibels.
Subsection (B)(7) covers tire squeal, screech or similar sounds from rapid acceleration, hard braking or cornering, but the section carves out an exception for sounds made to avoid an accident. Each subsection stands independently, so a driver can be cited for a loud stereo without any complaint about repair noise or tire squeal, and vice versa. The chapter does not set a decibel meter standard; officers rely on the 50-foot audibility test and on whether the sound unreasonably disturbs someone's peace and comfort, both of which are judged at the scene. There is no exemption in this section for daytime versus nighttime vehicle noise; the standard applies at any hour.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of LMC 8.36.010 is a civil penalty of up to $250.00. Any second or subsequent violation within a two-year period jumps to a civil penalty of up to $500.00 under LMC 8.36.010(D). The City enforces this chapter through its police department, and each instance of a public disturbance noise can be cited separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Lakewood, WA?
Can I get cited for revving or repairing my car at home?
What is the fine for a vehicle noise violation in Lakewood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle vehicle noise.