Multnomah County, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dBA (10pm-7am)
- Daytime limit
- 60 dBA (7am-10pm)
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only
- Penalty
- Class A violation fine
- Enforced by
- County Sheriff's Office
Summary
In unincorporated Multnomah County, vehicle stereos, revving engines and squealing tires count as a "sound producing device" and cannot exceed 50 dBA at night or 60 dBA by day at a neighboring home. Portland is not covered.
It shall be unlawful for any person to produce or permit to be produced, with a sound producing device, sound which: (A) When measured at or within the boundary of the property on which a noise sensitive unit ... is located ... exceeds: (1) Fifty dBA at any time between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day; or (2) Sixty dBA at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. the same day.
Full Breakdown
County Code § 15.266 defines a "sound producing device" to include vehicle stereo systems, engines or exhausts running above idling speed off a public right-of-way, and tires squealed by excessive speed or acceleration. Under § 15.269, it's unlawful to produce sound from such a device that measures over 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., or over 60 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., at or inside a neighboring noise-sensitive unit. This subchapter (§ 15.265) applies only within unincorporated Multnomah County. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview and Wood Village enforce their own municipal noise codes instead.
Violations & Fines
Sheriff's deputies cite violations as a Class A violation under § 15.999, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. A sound producing device used to violate the law may be seized and, after repeat citations within six months, impounded or destroyed under § 15.273.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule cover Portland?
Can a deputy seize my car stereo or exhaust?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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