Vehicle noise in Orange County NY is governed by NY Vehicle & Traffic Law §386. Modified exhausts, engine brakes ('jake brakes'), and loud motorcycles are subject to ticketing. The Orange County Sheriff's Office, NY State Police, and local police enforce on I-84, I-87 (NYS Thruway), US-6, and NY-17 (Quickway), as well as downtown streets in Newburgh, Middletown, and Goshen.
NY VTL §386 prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a defective, modified, or missing muffler, or one that produces 'excessive or unusual noise.' Motor vehicles (non-motorcycle) over 10,000 lbs at 35 mph or less may not exceed 90 dBA measured at 50 ft; motorcycles may not exceed 82 dBA (after 1985) or 86 dBA (pre-1985) per §386(3). Fines under VTL §386 and §1800 start at $150 for first offense and may reach $300+ for repeat offenses, plus potential loss of vehicle inspection sticker. Local municipalities (Newburgh §220, Middletown) add vehicle noise provisions in general noise ordinances. 'Jake brake' signs on NY-17 and I-84 descending grades are enforced by State Police. Aftermarket exhausts that defeat noise-control systems violate VTL §381 and federal 40 CFR 205.
Modified exhaust: $150 first offense, up to $300 repeat under VTL §386/§1800. Motorcycle exceeding 82 dBA: $150+ ticket. Defeated emissions/noise device: additional VTL §381 violation and inspection failure.
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See how Newburgh's vehicle noise rules stack up against other locations.
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