Peoria, IL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- City of Peoria Code § 15-68
- 50 ft limit
- 85 decibels maximum
- 30 ft limit
- 89.5 decibels maximum
- 15 ft limit
- 95.5 decibels maximum
- Meter standard
- ASA Z24.3-1944, 'A' weighted scale
- Penalty
- $75-$500 per offense (Sec. 1-5)
Summary
Peoria requires every motor vehicle on a public street to run a muffler that prevents excessive noise, and Sec. 15-68 sets a sliding decibel ceiling by distance, from 85 decibels at 50 feet up to 95.5 decibels at 15 feet, measured off the vehicle's right rear wheel as it passes a sound level meter.
Sound limits means all sound emanating from any motor vehicle, measured upon the "A" weighing scale of a second level meter, in excess of the decibels measured at the distances specified shown below. The distances shall be measured from the right rear wheel of the propelling unit of the vehicle in motion as it passes the sound level meter: Distance in Feet Maximum Permitted Sound Level in Decibels 50 85 45 86 40 87 35 88 30 89.5 25 91 20 93 15 95.5 (b)No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon a public street or highway within the city unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 119).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 3-1944 to take readings on the 'A' weighted scale. 5 at 15 feet, measured from the right rear wheel of the propelling unit as the vehicle passes the meter. Subsection (b) makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle on a public street or highway in the city unless it carries a muffler in good working order and constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise or annoying smoke. A reading exceeding the table figures is prima facie evidence that the vehicle produced excessive or unusual noise, shifting the practical burden to the driver, while a reading below the limit is only 'relevant evidence,' not a guaranteed defense, so an officer can still cite a vehicle for a defective or missing muffler based on other observations.
The section works alongside Sec. 15-67, which separately requires every stationary steam engine, internal combustion engine, motorboat or motor vehicle to discharge exhaust through a muffler or equivalent device.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 15-68 has no standalone fine schedule, so the general Code penalty in Sec. 1-5 applies: a fine of not less than $75.00 nor more than $500.00 per offense, with each day of continued violation treated as a separate offense. A decibel reading above the section's distance table is enough on its own to establish a prima facie violation in court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Peoria measure whether a car's exhaust is too loud?
Is a decibel reading under the limit an automatic defense?
What counts as a legal muffler in Peoria?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Peoria
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