Newport News, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 28-36(c)(2) is a distinct prohibition from the section's dwelling-noise rule: it targets sound bleeding from one enclosed vehicle into another. It's unlawful to play, use or operate a radio, audio system, record, tape or CD player, drum, instrument, loudspeaker, communication system, amplification system, or any other sound production or reproduction system inside a motor vehicle so that it is "plainly audible" within another person's enclosed vehicle, meaning the other vehicle's doors, windows, sunroof, and other openings are closed. "Plainly audible" doesn't require an officer to make out specific words or lyrics; the detection of bass reverberations through a closed car is legally sufficient, so long as the sound isn't so faint its source can't be pinned down.

The prohibition doesn't cover a vehicle horn or back-up alarm used as a warning device, emergency and public safety vehicle noise, or sound tied to a permitted festival, parade or licensed special event. The section carries no separate muffler or exhaust-noise standard; it regulates only sound-reproduction equipment, not engine or exhaust noise. A first citation is a Class 3 misdemeanor; a second or subsequent violation within any twelve-month period escalates to a Class 2 misdemeanor. The city may also pursue a circuit court injunction against a continuing violation in addition to, not instead of, the criminal penalty, and the ordinance expressly preserves any private nuisance action a neighbor might bring separately.