Lubbock, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Subsection (a) requires that if a vehicle's original design included a tailpipe and resonator, the vehicle must keep an exhaust system with both, fitted with a muffler that is in good working order, free of damage to its internal baffles, and running continuously; the section separately bans any cut-out, bypass or similar device that would let exhaust escape without passing through the muffler. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle so as to cause squealing, screeching or similar tire sounds from rapid acceleration or excessive cornering speed, though the section carves out an exemption for sound produced by emergency braking to avoid imminent danger.

Subsection (c) separately prohibits operating any motorized vehicle off a public right-of-way, such as on private land, a vacant lot or an unpaved area, in a manner that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the sleep, peace, comfort or repose of neighboring persons of ordinary sensibilities. 04, Noise, which the city secretary administers, and which excludes activity at public or private schools, work by a governmental entity on its own property, and city-authorized events at the Mackenzie Park amphitheater. Because subsections (a) and (b) are equipment- and conduct-based rather than tied to the disturbance standard, a Lubbock Police Department officer does not have to show a neighbor was disturbed to cite a defective muffler, a cutout device, or tire squeal; those are violations on their own terms, while subsection (c) still requires the unreasonable-disturbance showing.