Morgan County, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 94.05 of the Morgan County Code targets vehicle noise as part of Chapter 94's excessive-noise subchapter. Division (A) makes it unlawful to operate any motor vehicle, automobile, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, dirt bike, go-cart or recreational vehicle in a condition of disrepair or loaded so as to produce unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise, without a functioning muffler or exhaust system, or with the muffler or noise-control equipment altered, modified, removed or left in disrepair so that it generates that noise. Division (B) adds a time-and-place rule: regardless of the vehicle's condition, it is unlawful to operate any of the listed vehicles so that it produces unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. wherever five or more residences sit within 750 feet of the tract, parcel or lot where the vehicle is used.

Section 94.04 supplies the factors used to decide whether noise crosses into a violation under this subchapter, including time of day, proximity to residential structures, whether the noise is recurrent or constant, its volume and intensity, whether it has been electronically amplified, the zoning of the area, and whether it stems from a lawful business's normal operation. The County Sheriff and deputies have full authority under § 94.06 to enforce and issue citations, and the County Prosecutor or Attorney may seek an injunction. Section 94.99(B) sets the penalty for any violation of §§ 94.01 through 94.06, including § 94.05, at a fine of up to $500, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.