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Parma, OH Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State Law
ORC 4513.221
Local Code
Parma CO 438.19
Fine
From $150
Enforcement
Parma Police
Includes
Mufflers, revving, squeal

Summary

Parma enforces ORC 4513.221 (defective muffler) and CO 438.19 (excessive vehicle noise) covering loud exhausts, modified mufflers, and revving engines. Parma Police issue citations with fines starting at 150 dollars plus court costs.

Section 4513.221 | Local regulation of passenger car and motorcycle noise. (A) The board of county commissioners of any county, and the board of township trustees of any township subject to section 505.17 of the Revised Code, may regulate passenger car and motorcycle noise on streets and highways under their jurisdiction. Such regulations shall include maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels, subject to the requirements of this section. (B) Regulations establishing maximum permissible noise limits measured in decibels shall prohibit the operation, within the speed limits specified herein, of a passenger car or motorcycle of a type subject to registration at any time or under any condition of load, acceleration, or deceleration in such manner as to exceed the following maximum noise limits, based on a distance of not less than fifty feet from the center of the line of travel: (1) For passenger cars: (a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of seventy decibels; (b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of seventy-nine decibels. (2) For motorcycles: (a) When operated at a speed of thirty-five miles per hour or less, a maximum noise limit of eighty-two decibels; (b) When operated at a speed of more than thirty-five miles per hour, a maximum noise limit of eighty-six decibels. [...] (E) A board of county commissioners of any county may regulate noise from passenger cars, motorcycles, or other devices using internal combustion engines in the unincorporated area of the county [...] (1) By prohibiting operating or causing to be operated any motor vehicle, agricultural tractor, motorcycle, all-purpose vehicle, or snowmobile not equipped with a factory-installed muffler or equivalent muffler in good working order and in constant operation.

Full Breakdown

Vehicle noise in Parma is prosecuted through two overlapping legal frameworks. 221 requires every motor vehicle to be equipped with a muffler in constant operation that prevents excessive or unusual noise; defective or modified exhaust systems (straight pipes, removed catalytic converters, cutout valves) violate state law. 19 (excessive vehicle noise) parallels the state statute and gives Parma Police direct authority to cite drivers. Typical enforcement targets include modified sports cars on I-480 exit ramps, motorcycles on Broadview Road and Pearl Road (US-42) corridors, and 'burnout'-type driving in parking lots.

Engine revving, tire-squealing, and aftermarket exhaust are the most common complaint types; compression/engine braking by commercial trucks is regulated separately under CO 438 provisions affecting trucks on residential streets. Parma Police routinely deploy on Snow Road and Ridge Road during warm-weather evenings to address cruising and stationary engine noise at fast-food parking lots. 221 is sufficient.

Violations & Fines

CO 438.19 and ORC 4513.221 citations: minor misdemeanor, fines from $150 plus court costs. Repeat or modified-exhaust violations may result in mandatory vehicle inspection or correction order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are aftermarket exhausts legal in Parma?
Aftermarket exhaust systems are legal only if they meet ORC 4513.221 - no louder than original equipment and no removal of muffler components. Straight pipes and cutouts violate state law.
How do I report a loud motorcycle or car?
Note the license plate, time, and location and call Parma Police non-emergency. Video or audio recordings help substantiate repeat-offender complaints.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Parma

All Parma rules

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