Lawrence, KS Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audible threshold
- 50 feet from the vehicle
- Measurement method
- officer's auditory senses, no meter
- Devices covered
- radio, tape/CD player, loudspeaker, amplifiers
- Duty exemption
- on-duty police, fire, EMS personnel
- Event exemption
- approved parades, fireworks, sporting events
- Penalty
- $80-$400 traffic offense, up to $1,000
- Enforcing agency
- Lawrence Police Department
Summary
Playing a vehicle sound system loud enough to be heard 50 feet away on a Lawrence street, alley, parking lot or driveway is a traffic offense under City Code § 17-127(c). Officers do not have to walk out and measure the distance before writing a citation, and each violation counts as a separate offense.
(c)Prohibition of the certain operation of loud sound amplification systems. No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any street, highway, alley, parking lot or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system from within or upon the vehicle so that the sound is audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vehicle. Nothing in this article shall require the witnessing law enforcement officer to physically measure the distance from the officer to the allegedly offending vehicle operator and vehicle prior to the issuance of a citation. ... (e)Violations. Any person who violates the provisions of this ordinance shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a traffic offense. Each violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Section 17-127(a) defines a 'sound amplification system' as any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker or other electronic device used to amplify sound inside a vehicle, and defines 'audible' by ear rather than by decibel meter: any sound heard 50 feet or more away, based on the officer's direct line of sight and auditory senses. Section 17-127(c) then bans operating or permitting operation of such a system from a vehicle on any street, highway, alley, parking lot or driveway so that it is audible at that 50-foot distance, and expressly frees the citing officer from having to physically measure the distance first.
Section 17-127(d) allows an affirmative defense where the system was operated by on-duty police, fire or EMS personnel; to request medical or vehicular assistance or to warn of a hazardous road condition; or as part of an authorized public event, such as a parade, fireworks display, sporting event or musical production, with the city's approvals in place. 00 if the municipal judge has not scheduled a fine for it. Lawrence Police Department enforces the section.
Violations & Fines
Each vehicle sound system violation under section 17-127(c) is a separate traffic offense, and each occurrence is punished on its own. Because the section sets no specific dollar amount, the general schedule in section 17-103 controls: a fine of at least $80.00 and no more than $400.00, or up to $1,000.00 if the offense is not on the municipal judge's fine schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Lawrence, Kansas?
Does a Lawrence officer have to measure 50 feet before ticketing me for a loud stereo?
Is there an exception for parades or concerts in Lawrence's vehicle noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
Compare Lawrence to another location·View the Kansas noise ordinances overview
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