Richland, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Engine brake rule
- Banned citywide, no exceptions except emergencies
- Engine brake penalty
- $100 traffic infraction per violation
- Muffler rule
- Unmuffled exhaust prohibited, RCW 46.37.390 standard
- Horn rule
- Loud, repetitive horn honking prohibited
- Enforcing agency
- Richland Police Department
Summary
In the City of Richland, Washington, using engine brakes, exhaust brakes, or jake brakes anywhere within city limits is outright prohibited under Richland Municipal Code § 11.06.010, a $100 traffic infraction per violation. Unmuffled exhausts, non-standard motorcycle mufflers, and loud or repeated vehicle horn honking are separately banned as public disturbance noise under § 9.16.045.
4. Any sound made by the discharge of gases from an internal combustion engine except through an unmodified muffler. 5. Any sound made by the operation of any motorcycle, motorbike, or off-road or all-terrain vehicle in the city on any property not a part of the street system of the city when such motorcycle, motorbike, or off-road or terrain vehicle does not conform to the muffler standard required for operation on the public streets. 6. Loud and raucous, and frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by any horn attached to a motor vehicle. ... The use of engine brakes, exhaust brakes, jake brakes or other device which performs the same function as this equipment is hereby prohibited within the city limits of the city of Richland, Washington. Unmuffled exhausts, as described and set forth in RCW 46.37.390, are prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Richland Municipal Code § 11.06.010 bans the use of engine brakes, exhaust brakes, jake brakes, or any device performing the same function anywhere within Richland city limits, along with unmuffled exhausts as described in RCW 46.37.390. The only affirmative defense is that the compression brake was applied in an emergency to protect persons or property, and the ban does not apply to an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency. Section 11.06.020 requires the city to post signs at entrances and other locations where engine-brake use has been noted, and § 11.06.030 sets the penalty at a $100 traffic infraction per violation, plus Benton County district court costs.
Separately, § 9.16.045 lists specific vehicle sounds as prohibited 'public disturbance noise': subsection 4 bans discharging engine exhaust gases except through an unmodified muffler; subsection 5 bans operating a motorcycle, motorbike, or off-road/all-terrain vehicle off the street system unless it meets the same muffler standard required on public streets; and subsection 6 bans loud, raucous, frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds from a vehicle horn. Section 9.16.045 also separately prohibits an audible motor vehicle audio system heard 50 feet or more from the vehicle. These noise provisions are enforced by the Richland Police Department, and § 9.16.060 authorizes the compliance officer or city attorney to seek an injunction to restrain a continuing noise nuisance in addition to any other remedy.
Violations & Fines
Using an engine or exhaust brake anywhere in Richland is a traffic infraction carrying a flat $100 penalty per violation plus court costs under § 11.06.030. Running an unmuffled exhaust, an off-road motorcycle without a street-legal muffler, or a horn that sounds loud and repeated blasts is a public disturbance noise violation under § 9.16.045, enforced by the Richland Police Department and subject to injunctive abatement under § 9.16.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jake brakes allowed anywhere in Richland?
What's the fine for using an engine brake in Richland?
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Richland?
Can I be cited for honking my horn repeatedly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Benton County handle vehicle noise.