Lowell, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Lowell enumerates several motor-vehicle noise prohibitions in Section 204-4C of Chapter 204. Subsection (1) (Motor noises) covers 'any noise made by the motor of any automobile, truck, tractor, or motorcycle not reasonably required in the operation thereof under the circumstances, including but not limited to backfiring, motor racing, and screeching of tires because of rapid acceleration or excessive speed.' Subsection (2) (Horns; signaling devices) prohibits sounding any horn or signaling device 'except as a danger warning,' or for an unnecessary and unreasonable period, or while traffic is held up. Subsection (3) (Exhausts) bars discharging engine or motor-vehicle exhaust into the open air 'except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises,' and flatly provides that 'no person while on a public or private highway, street or road shall operate a motor vehicle with the muffler cut out or removed.' Subsection (4) (Defect in vehicle or load) reaches vehicles so out of repair or loaded as to create loud grating, grinding or rattling. These city rules operate alongside Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 16, which requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with a working muffler that prevents excessive or unusual noise, enforced by police statewide.