Long Branch, NJ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Horn use
- Danger warnings only (§ 235-2A(1))
- Exhaust requirement
- Must pass through a muffler (§ 235-2A(7))
- Loose/rattling vehicles
- Prohibited (§ 235-2A(8))
- Enforcement
- Long Branch Police Department (§ 235-8)
- Max penalty
- $2,000 fine, 90 days jail, per day
Summary
Long Branch bans unreasonably loud or unnecessary vehicle horn use except as a danger warning, requires exhaust to run through a muffler that prevents loud or explosive noise, and prohibits vehicles so out of repair or loaded that they create loud grating, grinding, or rattling noise.
(1) Horns, signaling devices, etc. The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, street car, bus or other vehicle in the city except as a danger warning; the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time; the use of any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine, exhaust or by compressed air or gas or by vacuum; and the use of any such signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up. ... (7) Exhausts. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary jet or internal combustion engine or motor vehicle, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904719; v48 updated 2026-06-10; through 06-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 235's enumerated noise violations single out motor vehicles in three ways. Under § 235-2A(1), sounding any horn or signaling device except as a danger warning is prohibited, along with creating an unreasonably loud or harsh sound with a signaling device, sounding one for an unnecessary or unreasonable period, or using a horn, whistle, or device operated by engine, exhaust, compressed air, gas, or vacuum, including honking simply because traffic is held up. Under § 235-2A(7), discharging the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary jet, internal combustion engine, or motor vehicle into the open air is barred unless it passes through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise.
Section 235-2A(8) separately bars operating a vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or driven in such a way as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise. The Long Branch Police Department enforces the chapter, and officers can issue a summons and complaint directly; if the noise source is not a readily identifiable individual or a moving vehicle, enforcement personnel may instead issue a 24-hour written notice to abate the violation, with failure to comply counting as an additional offense (§ 235-8).
Violations & Fines
A violation is punishable under Chapter 1's general penalty: a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment of up to 90 days, and/or community service of up to 90 days, at the judge's discretion, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense (§ 235-9; § 1-16). Officers may issue a summons directly, or a 24-hour written abatement notice where the source isn't a readily identifiable person or moving vehicle (§ 235-8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I honk my horn in Long Branch traffic?
Are loud exhausts or aftermarket mufflers illegal?
Who enforces vehicle noise complaints in Long Branch?
What's the penalty for a vehicle noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Branch
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