Rose Hill, NC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Rose Hill Code § 130.07(B)(5), (7)
- Muffler required
- Yes, effective device on exhaust
- Max fine
- $50
- Max jail term
- 30 days
- Ordinance date
- April 9, 2002
Summary
Rose Hill's noise ordinance names an out-of-repair or overloaded vehicle that grates, grinds, or rattles, and an unmuffled engine exhaust, as loud, raucous, and disturbing noises banned town-wide. Both are enforced as violations of the town's general noise prohibition.
(5) The use of any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or in the manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise; ... (7) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, or motor vehicle, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom;
Full Breakdown
06. Subsection (5) covers the use of any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or operated in a manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise. Subsection (7) separately bars discharging the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, or motor vehicle into the open air except through a muffler or other device that will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises. 06, which reaches noise heard on public streets, in public buildings, at churches or hospitals while in use, on public parking lots, or into an occupied residential unit.
Both sections trace to Prior Code Section 8-6009 and an ordinance passed April 9, 2002. The Rose Hill Police Department enforces the noise chapter, and a driver running a loud, unrepaired vehicle or a vehicle with a defective or missing muffler on a Rose Hill street can be cited under these subsections regardless of whether anyone files a separate nuisance complaint.
Violations & Fines
Both subsections are enforced through Section 130.06's general prohibition, punishable under Section 130.99(D): a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $50 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days, at the court's discretion. Each incident of loud exhaust or an out-of-repair vehicle can be charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a loud, unrepaired vehicle in Rose Hill?
Do vehicles need a muffler in Rose Hill?
Who enforces the vehicle noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rose Hill
Compare Rose Hill to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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