Perth Amboy, NJ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Perth Amboy City Code § 304-10(A), (G) and (H)
- Horn rule
- No sounding except as a danger warning
- Exhaust rule
- Muffler must effectively prevent loud or explosive noise
- Last amended
- October 23, 2024, Ord. No. 2207-2024
- Fine range
- $100 to $1,000 under § 304-11(A)
- Repeat offense within one year
- Additional fine of $250 to $2,000
Summary
In the City of Perth Amboy, § 304-10 declares three vehicle noises unlawful: horns and signaling devices sounded other than as a danger warning, exhausts discharged without a muffler that prevents loud or explosive noise, and vehicles so out of repair or loaded as to rattle, grind or grate. A conviction carries a fine of $100 to $1,000.
A. Horns, signaling devices, etc. The sounding of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, motor vehicles or other vehicle on any street or public place of the City, except as a danger warning; the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time; the use of any signaling device except one operated by hand or electricity; the use of any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust; and the use of any such signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up. ... G. Exhausts. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motorboat or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noised therefrom. H. Defect in vehicle or load. The use of any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.
Full Breakdown
Section 304-10 of the Perth Amboy City Code lists acts declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises under Article III of Chapter 304. The list was amended most recently on October 23, 2024 by Ord. No. 2207-2024, and the code says it is not exclusive, so the enumerated acts are examples and § 304-9 still reaches any other loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that annoys or disturbs others within the city.
Subsection A covers horns and signaling devices on any automobile, motorcycle, motor vehicle or other vehicle on any street or public place of the City. It prohibits sounding a horn except as a danger warning, creating an unreasonably loud or harsh sound with a signaling device, sounding a device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time, using any signaling device except one operated by hand or electricity, using any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust, and using a signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up.
Subsection G covers exhausts. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal-combustion engine, motorboat or motor vehicle is unlawful except through a muffler or other device that will effectively prevent loud or explosive noise. The subsection names motorboats alongside motor vehicles, so it reaches boats moored or running at the City of Perth Amboy waterfront as well as cars and trucks.
Subsection H covers defect in vehicle or load: using any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise is a violation. Subsection N adds a related rule on transporting rails, pillars and columns of iron or steel that cause loud noises, and subsection O prohibits excessive, unnecessary and avoidable noise in the operation of a motor bus.
Vehicle sound systems are handled by subsection B, which prohibits operating a sound device in a vehicle at louder volume than necessary for convenient hearing by its voluntary listeners, and treats sound plainly audible at 50 feet between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as prima facie evidence of a violation.
Violations & Fines
Section 304-11(A) punishes any violation of Article III on conviction by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000, by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or by both. A conviction within one year of a previous violation, where the earlier violation was fined, adds a fine of not less than $250 and not more than $2,000 under § 304-11(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I honk my horn in Perth Amboy?
Do Perth Amboy noise rules require a muffler?
What about a rattling or overloaded vehicle in the City of Perth Amboy?
What is the fine for a vehicle noise violation in Perth Amboy?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Perth Amboy
Compare Perth Amboy to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle vehicle noise.