Richardson, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code Sec. 13-75 (Ch. 13, Div. 2)
- Standard type
- Qualitative nuisance, no dBA limit
- Muffler
- Required for vehicle exhaust (13-75(8))
- Truck loudspeakers
- Banned (Sec. 13-75(14))
- Enforcement
- Richardson Police; criminal misdemeanor
Summary
Richardson sets no decibel or audible-at-a-distance limit for vehicle noise. Section 13-75 instead bans loud car radios, rattling out-of-repair vehicles, muffler-less exhaust, and loudspeakers mounted on moving trucks as 'loud, disturbing and unnecessary' noise offenses enforced by Richardson police.
The following acts, among others, are declared to create loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises, in violation of this division... (3) The playing of any radio, television set, phonograph, or musical instrument in such a manner, or with such volume, as to disturb the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any dwelling, apartment, hotel or other type of residence... (8) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust from any motor vehicle except through a muffler... (14) The use of mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving vehicles for the purpose of advertising any show, sale or display of merchandise, or any other purpose.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Richardson regulates vehicle noise through Chapter 13, Article III, Division 2: a qualitative nuisance code, not a decibel meter. Sec. 13-75 declares specific acts 'loud, disturbing and unnecessary,' including playing a radio or musical instrument loudly enough to disturb residents, operating a vehicle 'so out of repair, or so loaded' that it grates, grinds or rattles, discharging exhaust without an effective muffler, and using mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on moving trucks. Sec. 13-76 separately bans sirens and exhaust whistles on non-emergency vehicles. Richardson Police enforce these as criminal misdemeanor citations; there is no numeric dBA threshold and no audible-at-N-feet trigger.
Violations & Fines
Loud car stereos, rattling out-of-repair vehicles, muffler-less exhaust, and truck-mounted advertising loudspeakers are charged as misdemeanor noise offenses. Enforcement turns on whether the sound disturbs ordinary residents, not on a decibel reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Richardson set a decibel limit for car stereos?
Is a loud or missing muffler illegal in Richardson?
Can trucks use loudspeakers to advertise in Richardson?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle vehicle noise.