Rochester, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Sound limit
- 80 dB(A)
- Measured at
- 25 feet from vehicle path
- Governing section
- City Code § 75-9
- Consequence
- Vehicle towed (§ 111-75)
- Penalty schedule
- § 13A-11 fines
Summary
Rochester City Code § 75-9 bars operating any motor vehicle that emits more than 80 dB(A), measured 25 feet from the vehicle's path on public streets or at the property line on private property. Offending vehicles get towed.
No person shall operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle in such a manner that the sound level emitted therefrom exceeds eighty (80) dB(A) either: (1) At a distance of twenty-five (25) feet or more from the path of the vehicle when operated on a public street or sidewalk or in a public park or other public place; or (2) At or beyond the property line when operated on private property. ... This section shall apply to all motor vehicles, whether or not duly licensed or registered. Any motor vehicle used in connection with the commission of a violation of this section shall be towed in accordance with § 111-75 of the Municipal Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4935326; v86 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 75 of the Code of the City of Rochester sets a hard 80 dB(A) ceiling for motor vehicles under § 75-9. The reading is taken 25 feet or more from the vehicle's path on any public street, sidewalk, park or public place, or at/beyond the property line on private property. The rule covers every motor vehicle, licensed and registered or not, and exempts only vehicles on public streets governed by NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 386. A vehicle used to commit the violation is towed under § 111-75. Rochester's Municipal Code Violations Bureau prosecutes under the § 13A-11 penalty schedule referenced by § 75-16.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Rochester police and the Municipal Code Violations Bureau; violators face fines under § 13A-11 and the offending vehicle is towed per § 111-75.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my vehicle be in Rochester?
Does the limit apply on private property?
What happens to a vehicle that violates the limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
New York rules heatmap·Compare Rochester to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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