Olympia, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Chapter 8.32 of the Olympia Municipal Code is the city's motor vehicle noise program, and section 8.32.080 holds its vehicle-operation rules. Subsection A says every motor vehicle operated upon the public highways shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation. Section 8.32.020 defines a muffler as a device of chambers or other mechanical designs that receives exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and is effective in reducing noise. Subsection B says no person shall operate a motor vehicle in a way that causes or allows squealing, screeching, or other noise from the tires in contact with the ground because of rapid acceleration, excessive speed around corners or another such reason. Noise from emergency braking to avoid imminent danger is exempt.

The same chapter sets measured limits. Under OMC 8.32.070, the sound level is measured with a sound level meter at a distance of fifty feet from the center of the lane of travel. For vehicles at 35 MPH or less the printed limits are 80 dBA for motorcycles and 76 dBA for all other motor vehicles; over 35 MPH they are 84 dBA and 80 dBA. Subsection C of 8.32.080 bars selling or offering a new motor vehicle that exceeds the Table II levels, such as 83 dBA for motorcycles manufactured after 1975 and 80 dBA for vehicles under 10,000 pounds GVWR or GCWR manufactured after 1975.

The chief of police is the noise control officer under 8.32.040. Under 8.32.050 the officer or trained designees can issue warnings and citations, make arrests, and stop any motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way or public place that the officer reasonably suspects of violating Sections 8.32.070 through 8.32.120. Section 8.32.090 exempts auxiliary equipment on street maintenance or utility vehicles, garbage collection vehicles while compressing garbage, and emergency vehicles on emergency work. Section 8.32.100 lets the noise control officer approve an implementation schedule on written application, and an aggrieved person can appeal to the city council. Stereo and horn noise are handled separately in OMC 9.16.020(D).