Reno, NV Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo audibility limit
- 25 feet from vehicle
- Muffler requirement
- good, properly attached muffler
- Exhaust noise
- loud, annoying exhaust banned
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Reno bans amplified car stereo sound audible 25 feet away and requires every motor vehicle to run a proper, non-modified muffler under Reno Municipal Code Title 6.
It shall be unlawful for any person, while parked or operating a motorized vehicle upon a highway to create or allow amplified sound within the vehicle which is audible at a distance of 25 feet from the vehicle. This section shall not apply to emergency vehicles or to the emission of sound to alert persons to the existence of an emergency or break-in.
(Ord. No. 6153, § 1, 6-9-10; Ord. No. 6267, § 1, 11-7-12; Ord. No. 6316, § 1, 1-29-14)
Editor's note— Formerly § 6.06.190.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under RMC § 6.06.290, it is unlawful to play amplified sound inside a parked or operating motor vehicle that is audible 25 feet away (emergency vehicles and break-in/emergency alerts excepted). Separately, § 6.06.785 requires every vehicle to carry a good, properly attached muffler with exhaust directed away from the street, and § 6.06.790 bars pipes, mufflers, or other devices that emit a loud, annoying exhaust sound. Reno Police enforce all three sections citywide.
Violations & Fines
General Code penalty under RMC § 1.04.010: fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months in city jail, or both, for each violation of §§ 6.06.290, 6.06.785, or 6.06.790.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Reno?
Are loud aftermarket exhausts illegal in Reno?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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