New York, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler Standard
- Plainly audible at 150 ft (cars) / 200 ft (trucks, motorcycles)
- Applies On
- Roads with speed limit 35 mph or less
- Horns
- Illegal except as warning of imminent danger
- Car Stereos
- Volume restricted in public right-of-way
- Enforcement
- Primarily NYPD
Summary
The NYC Noise Code prohibits excessive muffler/exhaust sound from motor vehicles on roads with a 35 mph or lower speed limit - defined by 'plainly audible' distances of 150 feet for cars, 200 feet for trucks, and 200 feet for motorcycles - and bans honking except as a warning of imminent danger.
The Noise Code prohibits excessive sound from the muffler or exhaust of motor vehicles operating on a public right-of-way where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Excessive sound is: Plainly audible at a distance of 150 feet or more from vehicles of less than 10,000 lbs. (cars); and Plainly audible at a distance of 200 feet or more from vehicles of more than 10,000 lbs., (trucks); and Plainly audible at a distance of 200 feet from a motorcycle. The use of vehicle horns is illegal, except as a warning in situations of imminent danger.
Full Breakdown
DEP's Noise Code guidance explains that the Code addresses noise from the more than one million vehicles moving through the city each day. It prohibits excessive sound from the muffler or exhaust of motor vehicles operating on a public right-of-way where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. (trucks); and plainly audible at 200 feet from a motorcycle. The use of vehicle horns is illegal except as a warning in situations of imminent danger, and residents may request an evaluation of whether a 'No Honking' street sign would help.
The Code also specifically restricts the volume of car stereos in the public right-of-way. These motor-vehicle provisions are part of Title 24, Chapter 2 and are enforced primarily by NYPD, with DEP support.
Violations & Fines
Loud-muffler, illegal-horn, and car-stereo violations are typically enforced by NYPD and adjudicated at OATH/ECB. The City has also run targeted 'boom car' and modified-exhaust enforcement; civil penalties apply under the Noise Code schedule and may include vehicle-equipment correction requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are loud exhausts illegal in New York City?
Is honking your car horn illegal in NYC?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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