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East Baton Rouge Parish, LA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Sound-system limit
85 dB beyond 25 feet
Where measured
Public street, highway, park
Exhaust
Muffler required, Sec. 12:101(8)
Horns
Danger signal only
Penalty
$200-$500 or 30 days

Summary

East Baton Rouge Parish prohibits vehicle sound systems that exceed 85 decibels audible more than 25 feet away on a public street, highway or park. Defective or loud exhaust, horns and mufflers are also regulated under Sec. 12:101.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge Parish. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The use of any automobile, motorcycle, bus, streetcar, bus, or vehicle so out of repair or so loaded, which emits or creates loud grating, grinding, or rattling noise.

(8) The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler, except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of danger.

(9) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any stationary steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, or motor boat engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively and efficiently prevent loud noises.

(10) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust from any motor vehicle except through a muffler, or other device, which will effectively and efficiently prevent loud and raucous noises.

(11) The creation of loud and raucous noise by construction work in or adjacent to a residential area other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and sunset on weekdays and Saturdays, except in the case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety for which permission must be obtained from the director of public works. Construction work includes, but is not limited to, the erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building.

(12) The creation of loud and raucous noise on any street adjacent to any school or court which is in session or adjacent to any hospital; provided, that conspicuous signs are located in such streets indicating that schools, hospitals, and courts are adjacent thereto.

(13)

Full Breakdown

Vehicle noise is addressed in Title 12, Chapter 2. Sec. 12:101(3) bars playing sound from a vehicle that disturbs residences, other vehicles or the public, and the current code applies an 85-decibel threshold measured beyond 25 feet on public streets, highways and parks (Baton Rouge Police use calibrated decibel meters). Related provisions ban unnecessary horn or signal use except as a danger signal (subsection 4), vehicles so out of repair they grate, grind or rattle (subsection 5), and exhaust not routed through an effective muffler (subsection 8). Sec. 12:102 bars sirens and exhaust whistles except on emergency vehicles.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor under Sec. 12:104: $200-$500 fine, up to 30 days jail, or both. State law also governs mufflers (R.S. 32:352).

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a car stereo be in Baton Rouge?
It may not exceed 85 decibels audible more than 25 feet away on a public street, highway or park, measured with a calibrated meter.
Are loud exhausts illegal?
Yes. Sec. 12:101(8) requires exhaust to pass through an effective muffler, and state law R.S. 32:352 also applies.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in East Baton Rouge Parish

All East Baton Rouge Parish rules

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