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Lane County, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

On-highway noise
State law, ORS 815.250
County exemption
LC 6.225.015(H)
Off-road engine/tire noise
LC 6.225.005 applies
Requirement
Exhaust in good working order
Enforcement
Police / code enforcement

Summary

Loud vehicle exhaust on public highways is governed by Oregon state law, not the county ordinance. ORS 815.250 requires every vehicle to have a working exhaust system that prevents excessive noise. Vehicle engine/exhaust noise off the roadway (e.g., idling on private property) can fall under Lane Code 6.225.

City-specific rules exist: Eugene has its own vehicle noise rules that differ from Lane County's county-level regulations. If you live in Eugene, check the city-specific page instead.

A person commits the offense of operation without proper exhaust system if the person drives or moves on any highway or owns and causes or knowingly permits to be driven or moved on any highway a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an exhaust system that meets the requirements under this section.

View official code

Full Breakdown

LC 6.225.015(H) exempts 'sounds caused by motor vehicles operated on any highway and subject to ORS 815.250,' handing on-road vehicle noise to the state. ORS 815.250 provides: 'A person commits the offense of operation without proper exhaust system if the person drives or moves on any highway ... a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an exhaust system that meets the requirements under this section,' and the exhaust system 'must be in good working order,' meeting DEQ noise standards. Off the highway, LC 6.225.005 treats vehicle engines/exhaust discharging into open air and squealing tires as regulated sound-producing devices.

Violations & Fines

ORS 815.250 exhaust offense is a traffic violation enforced by police; off-road vehicle noise is enforced under LC Chapter 5 / Chapter 9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a loud muffler illegal in Lane County?
On public roads, yes, under state ORS 815.250, which requires a working exhaust system meeting DEQ noise limits. The county defers on-highway vehicle noise to that statute.
What about a vehicle revving on private property?
Engine or exhaust noise off the public right-of-way, especially above idling speed, is a sound-producing device under LC 6.225.005 and subject to county limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lane County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Lane County rules

Compare Lane County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview

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Vehicle Noise in Cities Across Lane County

Eugene, OR