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Montgomery County, MD Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Residential daytime limit
65 dBA
Residential nighttime limit
55 dBA
Horn on private property
banned except emergency/warning
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Environmental Protection

Summary

Montgomery County treats vehicle horns and motor-vehicle-mounted power equipment as noise disturbance examples under Chapter 31B, enforceable by the Department of Environmental Protection.

City-specific rules exist: Gaithersburg has its own vehicle noise rules that differ from Montgomery County's county-level regulations. If you live in Gaithersburg, check the city-specific page instead.

(c) Examples. ...acts that violate this section if they exceed the noise level standards set in subsection (a) or create a noise disturbance: (1) Sounding a horn or other signaling device on any motor vehicle on private property except: ...in an emergency; or ...as a danger warning signal during daytime hours if the device complies with noise level limits. ...(7) Operating power equipment mounted on a motor vehicle or operating other devices powered by a generator or a motor vehicle.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under County Code Chapter 31B, sounding a horn or signaling device on a motor vehicle on private property is a noise-disturbance example unless it's an emergency or a compliant daytime warning signal. Operating power equipment mounted on a motor vehicle, or other devices powered by a generator or motor vehicle, is likewise flagged as a violating act if it exceeds the area's dBA limits (65/55 residential day/night) or creates a noise disturbance. These are illustrative examples under Sec. 31B-5, not an exhaustive list: any vehicle-generated sound exceeding the ambient limits or creating a disturbance can be cited.

Violations & Fines

Civil citation from DEP; enforced as a Class A civil violation with escalating fines for repeat offenses under Chapter 31B.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I honk my horn on my own driveway in Montgomery County?
Only in an emergency or as a compliant daytime warning signal: otherwise it's a listed noise-disturbance example under § 31B-5(c)(1).
Are car stereos regulated separately?
No separate stereo rule exists; loud vehicle sound is captured under the general noise-disturbance and dBA-limit standards in § 31B-5.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Montgomery County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesHeavy RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingSome RestrictionsNoise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise from Specific Sources: Generator NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm LimitsSome Restrictions

All Montgomery County rules

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