Reading, PA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler tampering
- Banned under § 387-104.I
- Horn use
- Only when necessary while driving
- Sound trucks
- Capped at vehicle sound limit
- Penalty
- $100-$1,000 fine, up to 30 days
- Enforced by
- Reading Police Department
Summary
Reading bans excessive vehicle sound on public streets, restricts horn use and sound trucks, and separately makes it illegal to remove or disable a car's muffler under its noise ordinance.
No person shall operate or cause to be operated a public or private motor vehicle or motorcycle, or any equipment attached to such a vehicle, on a public right-of-way at any time in such a manner that the sound level emitted by the motor vehicle or motorcycle, or any equipment that causes noise disturbances in violation of this chapter (see noise and noise disturbance definition herein). ... The removal or rendering inoperative by any person, other than for the purposes of maintenance, repair or replacement, of any muffler or sound dissipative device or element of design or noise label of any product.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Reading's Motor Vehicle Prohibitions section bars operating a car or motorcycle on a public street so its sound level causes a noise disturbance, and separately caps horn use to genuine warnings and vehicle-mounted sound trucks to the same sound-level ceiling. A companion provision in the general noise chapter makes it illegal to remove, disable, or drive with a disabled muffler or factory sound-dissipative device, or to knowingly use a vehicle whose muffler has been tampered with. The Reading Police Department enforces both provisions and may seize the offending sound equipment.
Violations & Fines
A violation brings a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs, up to 30 days in jail if unpaid, and police may seize the noise-making device or equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to remove my car's muffler in Reading?
Can Reading police seize my car stereo or sound equipment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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