Marion, OH Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Exhaust and revving rule
- § 345.04(A), light motor vehicles
- Muffler
- Must be in good working order; no cutout or by-pass
- Motorcycle muffler
- Must be equipped with baffle plates
- Car stereo distance
- No continuing noise disturbance at fifty (50) feet
- Light vehicle noise ceiling
- 83 dBA at not less than 21 feet (§ 345.02)
- First-offense penalty
- Minor misdemeanor under § 345.04(B)
Summary
In the City of Marion, Ohio, § 345.04 bans excessive vehicle noise from a defective or modified exhaust, rapid acceleration, revving or tire squealing, and § 345.05 requires a working muffler with no cutout or by-pass. Under § 634.03(I)(2), a stereo in a vehicle cannot create a continuing noise disturbance at fifty feet.
(A) No person shall operate a light motor vehicle which causes excessive noise levels as a result of a defective or modified exhaust system, or as a result of unnecessary rapid acceleration, deceleration, revving or tire squealing. ... (A) Every motor vehicle and motorcycle with an internal combustion engine shall at all times be equipped with a muffler which is in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, by-pass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway. Every motorcycle muffler shall be equipped with baffle plates. ... (I) Radios, Television Sets, Musical Instruments and Similar Devices. Operating, playing, or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, or similar device: ... (2) In such a manner as not to create a continuing noise disturbance at fifty (50) feet from such device, when operating in or on a motor vehicle on a public right of way or public space.
Full Breakdown
Section 345.04(A) prohibits operating a light motor vehicle that causes excessive noise as a result of a defective or modified exhaust system, or as a result of unnecessary rapid acceleration, deceleration, revving or tire squealing. At the operator's request, the officer can administer a stationary motor vehicle noise test as outlined in the Code of Recommended Practices on file with the City Clerk, which can show how defective the exhaust is or whether the noise came from improper operation. Section 345.03(B) describes that stationary run-up test for light vehicles: a test of the exhaust made twenty inches from the exhaust while the vehicle runs at 50% of the manufacturer's rated rpm at which maximum horsepower is developed. Other test procedures are set by the Chief of Police.
Section 345.05(A) requires every motor vehicle and motorcycle with an internal combustion engine to carry a muffler in good working order and in constant operation, and flatly bars a muffler cutout, by-pass or similar device on a highway. Every motorcycle muffler must have baffle plates. Section 345.02(A) separately sets 83 dBA, measured at a distance of not less than 21 feet, as the noise ceiling for a light motor vehicle.
On the stereo side, § 634.03(I)(2) lists playing a radio, television, musical instrument or similar device in or on a motor vehicle on a public right of way or public space as permitted only in a manner that does not create a continuing noise disturbance at fifty (50) feet from the device. Section 634.01 defines a noise disturbance as sound that endangers health or safety, annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities, or endangers property.
Vehicles on a public right of way are also held to the Table II decibel limits in § 634.05, measured at least fifty feet from the vehicle's centerline: 80 for cars, motorcycles and motorized bicycles. Section 345.04 cross-references § 331.37 on peeling and cracking exhaust noises and Chapter 648 on peace disturbances.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 345.04 is a minor misdemeanor on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the third degree on each later offense, with punishment as provided in § 309.01. Section 345.05 points to §§ 309.01 and 309.02 for its penalty. A stereo violation falls under § 634.99: a minor misdemeanor, rising to a misdemeanor of the fourth degree if the offender persists after reasonable warning or request to desist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Marion, Ohio?
Can I ask the officer to test my exhaust?
How far away can my car stereo be heard in Marion?
Does a motorcycle need anything special on its muffler?
What is the penalty for excessive vehicle noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion
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