Ramsey County, MN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Minn. Stat. § 169.69 (state)
- County rule
- None: state + city enforce
- Muffler cutouts
- Illegal statewide
- St. Paul stereo fine
- Up to $500 (2nd offense)
- Stereo threshold
- Audible at 50 feet
Summary
Minnesota state law, not Ramsey County, governs vehicle noise. Every motor vehicle must have a working muffler; cutouts and bypasses are illegal (Minn. Stat. § 169.69). St. Paul adds fines for stereos audible 50 feet away.
Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a street or highway.
Full Breakdown
Vehicle exhaust noise is set statewide. Minn. Stat. § 169.69 requires every motor vehicle to have a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive or unusual noise, and bans muffler cutouts, bypasses and similar devices, plus sharp popping or crackling. Ramsey County itself sets no vehicle-noise ordinance, but cities enforce car-stereo rules: St. Paul fines drivers up to $500 for a second offense when music is loud enough to be heard 50 feet away. Loud aftermarket exhausts can be ticketed under the state muffler statute.
Violations & Fines
A muffler-law violation under § 169.69 is a petty misdemeanor. St. Paul car-stereo fines reach $500 for a second offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are loud exhausts illegal in Ramsey County?
Can I be fined for a loud car stereo?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ramsey County
Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota noise ordinances overview
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