Martin County, FL Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler requirement
- As effective as OEM equipment
- Governing section
- Sec. 67.305.C (mufflers)
- Related rule
- Sec. 67.305.D bars 9pm-7am repair noise
- Fine schedule
- $100 / $300 / $500
- Measurement distance
- 150 feet, 10 continuous minutes
Summary
Running a car, truck or boat engine without a working muffler is a noise-code violation in unincorporated Martin County. Sec. 67.305.C requires a muffler or equally effective device that prevents loud or explosive engine noise, and a separate rule bars noisy vehicle or motorboat repair work near homes at night.
67.305.C. Engine mufflers. Operating any internal combustion engine, including such an engine associated with a motorboat, or motor vehicle without a muffler or other device at least as effective as that installed as original equipment by the manufacturer, which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 | Land Development Regulations: Supplement 62).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " The rule covers cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats alike and does not carry a time-of-day exception: an engine with a defective, removed or straight-pipe exhaust violates the section any hour of the day. A neighboring subsection, Sec. is its own violation if it creates noise across a property line, covering late-night engine revving during repairs even where the muffler itself is intact. Enforcement uses the same plainly-audible and measurement rules as the rest of the article: a code inspector measures from at least 150 feet away for a continuous ten minutes under Sec.
C, and Sec. 306's table 1 sets a metered backstop of 60 dB(A) by day and 55 dB(A) at night in residential zones, 70/65 dB(A) in industrial areas. A vehicle owner who cannot immediately fix a muffler and needs more time to comply can apply to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a variance under Sec. 308, which requires a public hearing with 15 days' newspaper notice and mailed notice to nearby owners at least ten days out.
Violations & Fines
Muffler and vehicle-repair noise violations are enforced by code inspectors under Florida Statutes Chapter 162, at the inspector's discretion between the criminal and civil tracks (Sec. 67.309). Civil citations carry a $100 fine for a first violation, $300 for a second, and $500 for a third and every one after that, reduced by $50 if the citation is not contested. Contested citations are heard in Martin County Court, and enforcement authority extends to code inspectors who have reasonable cause to believe a violation occurred, without needing to catch the vehicle in the act of driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Martin County?
Can I work on my car engine at night in my driveway?
What is the penalty for a first muffler noise citation in Martin County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Martin County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Martin County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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