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Penn Hills, PA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Muffler required
on every combustion engine
First offense fine
$100–$300 plus costs
Third offense
$300, up to 30 days jail
Also covers
motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles noise

Summary

Penn Hills bans venting engine exhaust into the open air without an adequate muffler, and separately bans excessive or unreasonably loud noise from motorcycles, ATVs, and similar motorized vehicles anywhere in the Municipality.

No person shall allow the discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any internal combustion engine, except through an adequate muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4434863; v5 updated 2025-07-21; through 07-21-2025).

Full Breakdown

Under § 456.07 of the Municipality of Penn Hills' Operation of Vehicles chapter, no one may discharge internal-combustion exhaust into the open air except through an adequate muffler or similar device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise. A companion provision, § 456.05, separately bars excessive, harsh, or unreasonably loud noise from motorcycles, motorized bicycles, scooters, snowmobiles, ATVs, go-carts, and racers on private or Municipally-owned property when it disturbs others' comfort, health, or peace. Both sections were added by Ord. 1938 in 1986 and sit within the same Traffic Code chapter governing vehicle operation citywide.

Violations & Fines

First offense: $100–$300 fine plus costs; second offense: $200–$300; third offense: $300 and up to 30 days in jail if unpaid, per § 456.99(b), covering §§ 456.05 through 456.07.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Penn Hills?
Yes, § 456.07 requires every vehicle's exhaust to run through an adequate muffler that prevents loud or explosive noise; running a straight-piped or modified exhaust violates the section.
What's the penalty for a loud muffler violation in Penn Hills?
A first offense costs $100 to $300 plus costs of prosecution under § 456.99(b); a third offense is a flat $300 fine with up to 30 days in jail if unpaid.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Penn Hills

Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesLight RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningLight Restrictions

All Penn Hills rules

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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities

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