Queen Creek, AZ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler requirement
- Working muffler required at all times
- Banned conduct
- Revving, tire squeal, backfire, Jake braking
- Repair/test exemption hours
- 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only
- Horn use
- Only as authorized by A.R.S. § 28-954
- Penalty
- Civil offense
- Adopted
- Ord. 764-21, Sept. 15, 2021
Summary
Queen Creek requires every motor vehicle to run a working muffler at all times and bans revving, tire-squealing, backfiring, unnecessary horn use and engine or Jake braking done to make noise; repair and testing work is allowed only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Operate a motor vehicle that is not at all times equipped with an exhaust system that has a muffler that is in good working order, in constant operation, and prevents the emission of loud, excessive, or unreasonable noise from the motor vehicle. Operate a motor vehicle or machinery equipped with any device or modification that eliminates or in any way diminishes the noise-inhibiting function of a muffler... honking of a horn or warning device affixed to the motor vehicle except as authorized by A.R.S. § 28-954; and deceleration through practices commonly known as engine braking and/or Jake braking... provided, however, that the person or entity does so between the hours 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and in a manner that prevents the motor vehicle from emitting excessive or unreasonable noise. Violation of this Section is a Civil Offense.
Full Breakdown
Town Code Section 9-6-3, Motor Vehicles, makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle that is not at all times equipped with a muffler in good working order, in constant operation, that prevents the emission of loud, excessive or unreasonable noise, and equally unlawful to operate a vehicle or machinery fitted with any device or modification that eliminates or diminishes a muffler's noise-inhibiting function, covering aftermarket exhaust modifications and gutted mufflers alike. S. Section 28-954, and engine braking or Jake braking. loses the exemption entirely. Like the rest of Article 9-6, the section was adopted by Ordinance 764-21 on September 15, 2021.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of Section 9-6-3, whether a defective muffler, a disabled noise-inhibiting device, or excessive noise from revving, tire-squealing, backfiring, improper horn use or engine braking, is a civil offense. The Section 9-6-9 persons-responsible rule and Section 9-6-10 repeat-violator provisions elsewhere in Article 9-6 apply to escalate enforcement against repeat offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test a loud exhaust repair at midnight in Queen Creek?
Is engine or Jake braking illegal in Queen Creek?
Does removing my car's muffler violate Town law?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Queen Creek
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