Roanoke County, VA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler rule
- Public streets and residential zones
- Vehicle audio standard
- Audible 50+ feet
- Time limit
- None, applies around the clock
- First offense
- Class 3 misdemeanor
- Cross-referenced state code
- Va. Code §§ 46.2-1047, 46.1-1049
Summary
Roanoke County treats two kinds of vehicle sound as noise disturbances any time of day, not just overnight: driving without a factory-equivalent muffler on a public street or in a residential zone, and playing a car radio or audio system loud enough to be plainly audible fifty feet or more from the vehicle. Both are set out in § 13-21(7) and (8).
(7)Using or operating any motor vehicle without factory installed mufflers or their equivalent conforming to sections 46.2-1047 and 46.1-1049 of the Code of Virginia, on any public street or road in the county or on private property within a residential zoning district. ... (8)Using a radio receiving set, an audio cassette player, a compact disc player, or other device for the production of sound in a motor vehicle at a volume sufficient to be plainly audible at fifty (50) feet or more from such vehicle.
Full Breakdown
Unlike most of Roanoke County's noise-disturbance clauses, the two vehicle-noise rules in § 13-21 are not limited to nighttime hours. 1-1049, and applies both on any public street or road in the county and on private property inside a residential zoning district. Clause (8) separately targets in-vehicle audio, a radio, cassette player, CD player or similar device, making it a violation to run one loud enough to be plainly audible fifty feet or more from the vehicle; 'plainly audible' carries the § 13-18 definition, including detection of rhythmic bass tones through a barrier.
m. , or sound preempted by federal law, still apply on top of these two clauses where relevant. Enforcement runs through the police department and, for the muffler standard, ties directly to the equipment requirements the Commonwealth already sets for vehicles operated on Virginia roads.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the muffler or vehicle-audio clause is a Class 3 misdemeanor under § 13-22(a). A second violation within one year of a prior conviction under Chapter 13, Article II becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor, and each day a defective muffler stays in use or a loud stereo runs is chargeable as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited for a loud exhaust in Roanoke County even during the day?
How loud can my car stereo be?
Does the muffler rule apply on my own driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roanoke County
Compare Roanoke County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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