Raleigh, NC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Two subsections of § 12-5007 cover vehicle noise from different angles. Subsection (d) targets the vehicle itself: the use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, so modified, or driven in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from any reasonable person so as to create unreasonably loud, grating, grinding, rattling or other noise is a prohibited noise, this reaches straight-pipe exhaust setups, dragging equipment, and rattling loads alike, measured by the 50-foot audibility standard rather than a decibel meter.

Subsection (f) is narrower and covers exhaust specifically: discharging the exhaust of any stationary internal combustion engine or motor vehicle into the open air is unlawful unless it passes through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents unreasonably loud or explosive noises. Neither provision is limited to nighttime, both apply at any hour, unlike the residential stereo rule in § 12-5007(c). Because these sit in the noise chapter rather than the vehicle equipment code, they're enforced by written citation rather than a roadside equipment-fix order, though an officer can still stop a vehicle for the underlying traffic violation.

A citation is a misdemeanor under § 12-5011(c), up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, and also draws the standard civil penalty ladder: $250 for a first offense, $500 for any repeat within the following 12 months, issued by the Police Department. Anyone cited must immediately reduce the noise under § 12-5010, and a second increase within four hours can draw a further police directive to comply before any additional penalty is assessed.