Reading's Β§ 387-105 incorporates Pennsylvania state vehicle noise standards (67 Pa. Code Ch. 157) by reference and adds local rules. Removing or disabling a muffler is prohibited (Β§ 387-104(I)), as is unnecessary horn blowing, idling a stationary vehicle over 15 minutes within 150 feet of a residence, and excessive sound-truck operation. Pennsylvania's underlying muffler statute is 75 Pa.C.S. Β§ 4523.
Section 387-105(A) provides that no person may operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public right-of-way 'in such a manner that the sound level emitted by the motor vehicle or motorcycle, or any equipment attached to such a vehicle exceeds the level set forth in Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 157, Established Sound Levels.' That state rule (67 Pa. Code Β§Β§ 157.1-157.13) sets decibel limits keyed to vehicle weight class and speed. Section 387-104(I) goes further by prohibiting any person from removing or rendering inoperative a muffler or sound-dissipative device β except for maintenance, repair, or replacement β and from knowingly using a vehicle with such a device removed. The underlying Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requirement is 75 Pa.C.S. Β§ 4523, which mandates that every motor vehicle have a properly maintained muffler that prevents 'excessive or unusual noise.' Stationary-vehicle idling beyond 15 minutes within 150 feet of a residence (where the sound disturbs across a property line) is barred by Β§ 387-105(B). Sound trucks (mounted PA systems) must not exceed the state-set decibel limits per Β§ 387-105(D). 'Unnecessary horn blowing' is illegal under Β§ 387-105(C) β the horn may be used only when 'absolutely necessary' as a warning. Car alarms ('automatic motor vehicle protection devices') must be adjusted to suppress false triggers under Β§ 387-105(E).
Two enforcement tracks: Reading Police issue a summary citation under Β§ 387-109 ($25-$1,000 plus costs) for the local ordinance violations; PennDOT Vehicle Code violations under 75 Pa.C.S. Β§ 4523 (defective muffler) carry their own summary fine plus inspection-failure consequences and possible vehicle correction order.
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