Longmont, CO Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger distance
- Audible 300 feet away
- Covers
- Engine, exhaust, brake noise
- Applies to
- Licensed, non-commercial vehicles
- Legal status
- Prima facie unreasonable, public nuisance
Summary
Longmont deems motor vehicle noise from a licensed, non-commercial vehicle audible 300 feet away, from its engine, exhaust, or brakes, automatically unreasonable noise.
Motor vehicle noise from a licensed, non-commercial vehicle audible 300 feet from the source of the sound. Motor vehicle noise means noise from engines, exhaust systems, and brakes. Except that amplified sound of 80 decibels or less as measured from the perimeter of the area covered by a use of public places permit for a special event issued pursuant to chapter 13.37 and city operations such as mowing and maintenance shall not constitute an unreasonable noise.
(Code 1993, § 10.20.100; Code 2009, § 10.20.100; Ord. No. O-92-51, § 1; Ord. No. O-2012-89, § 2, 12-18-2012; Ord. No. O-2022-31, § 2, 10-11-2022)
Full Breakdown
Section 10.20.090(E) singles out motor vehicle noise, defined as noise from engines, exhaust systems, and brakes, from a licensed, non-commercial vehicle that carries 300 feet from its source as prima facie unreasonable noise. That 300-foot threshold is far wider than the 25-foot standard used for amplified sound and late-night tools elsewhere in the same section, reflecting how far engine and exhaust noise travels. Violations are treated as a public nuisance the city attorney can sue to enjoin.
Violations & Fines
Public nuisance; enforceable by city attorney injunction and standard Code violation penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far away can a loud exhaust be heard before it's a violation in Longmont?
Does this cover commercial trucks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
Compare Longmont to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Boulder County handle vehicle noise.