Pasco, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Vehicle noise in Pasco is regulated by PMC 9.130.030, which enumerates several vehicle-related public disturbance noises. Sound from a motor vehicle audio system, such as tape players, radios or compact disc players, operated at a volume and under conditions so as to be audible greater than 75 feet from the vehicle, is prohibited. The ordinance also addresses exhaust noise: sounds from the exhaust gases discharged from internal combustion engines that are not equipped with mufflers (or with defective or modified mufflers) are listed as prohibited, capturing loud motorcycles and vehicles with altered exhaust. Unnecessary or repeated sounding of a vehicle horn, except when required for safe operation, is likewise restricted. These provisions apply across the city and are not limited to nighttime hours, although nighttime enforcement also overlaps with the general 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. residential quiet rules. Vehicle-equipment noise is separately governed by Washington State law (RCW Title 46 / Chapter 173-62 WAC sets motor-vehicle noise performance standards), but the 75-foot car-audio rule and the muffler/horn provisions cited here are Pasco's own municipal ordinance. Residents report vehicle noise to the Pasco Police Department non-emergency line.