Midland, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All city streets and highways
- Prohibited devices
- Jake brakes, engine retarders
- Exception
- Genuine emergency braking only
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
Summary
Midland bans loud engine brakes, Jake brakes and similar retarders on any street or highway within city limits under City Code Section 6-1-24, with an exception only for genuine emergencies.
The use or operation of an engine brake, engine retarder, "Jake" brake or any other such device that is equipped on any motor vehicle and that is designed to aid in braking, decompression or deceleration in such a manner that results in an excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise from such vehicle is prohibited; provided, however, that it shall be an exception to such prohibition if an emergency situation exists and the use of such brakes is necessary for the protection of persons or property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
City Code Section 6-1-24 prohibits using an engine brake, engine retarder, Jake brake or similar device on any motor vehicle operated on a roadway or street within Midland's corporate limits, including state-maintained highways, if the device produces excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise. The only exception applies when an emergency situation requires the braking for the protection of persons or property. The ordinance targets truck traffic through the Permian Basin's oil-field corridors, where compression-release braking is common. Violations fall under the Code's general penalty provision, punishable by a fine of up to $500 per offense, with each occurrence treated separately.
Violations & Fines
Using a Jake brake, engine retarder or similar device that creates excessive or explosive braking noise on any Midland street violates Sec. 6-1-24; fines run up to $500, with no exception besides genuine emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jake brakes illegal in Midland, Texas?
Is there any exception to Midland's engine brake ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Midland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Midland to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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