In unincorporated Pierce County, PCC 8.72.090.H makes it unlawful for a car or vessel sound system to be clearly heard 50 feet or more from the vehicle in residential or commercial areas. Frequent engine, horn, or off-road-vehicle noise is also barred (PCC 8.72.090.B-C). Vehicle-in-motion noise follows WAC 173-62.
Chapter 8.72 PCC is the county's motor-vehicle and disturbance-noise chapter. PCC 8.72.090.H makes it unlawful, in park, residential, or commercial zones, to negligently allow motor-vehicle or vessel sound-system noise 'which is operated at such a volume that it could be clearly heard by a person of normal hearing at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vehicle or vessel itself.' PCC 8.72.090.B bars frequent horns or sirens except as warnings, and PCC 8.72.090.C bars frequent starting or testing of vehicles, motorcycles, or dirt bikes in residential districts. New-vehicle sale limits appear in PCC 8.72.080 (80-83 dB(A)). Roadway noise in motion is regulated by the State under WAC 173-62. Enforcement can proceed without a complaint (PCC 8.72.120.C).
The Sheriff's Office enforces vehicle-noise provisions and may act with or without a citizen complaint (PCC 8.72.120.C), unlike most disturbance noise. The 50-foot audibility test for car stereos is a bright-line standard. Violations are civil infractions subject to fines.
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