Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Rothschild

Rothschild, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Quiet hours: 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Noise threshold: 85 dB(A) at property line
Jake brakes: Unmuffled engine braking banned
Enforcement: Rothschild Police, complaint-based
First-offense fine: $10 to $100
Repeat offense: $50 to $500 forfeiture

Summary

Rothschild bars working on vehicles, revving engines, or other unnecessary vehicle noise in residential zones between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., and separately bans unmuffled jake brakes anywhere in the Village. Noise plainly audible in a home that reads 85 dB(A) or more at the property line is presumed unreasonably loud. Rothschild Police enforce both rules on a complaint basis.

§ 422-21. Noise. ... C. Residential zones. (1) It shall be unlawful to carry on the following activities in any residentially zoned area of the Village: ... (d) Working on vehicles, revving vehicle motors, or unnecessary noises from vehicles (see also § 407-8 of this Code) between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. ... § 422-22. Use of compression brakes. ... No person shall, within the Village, perform braking of a motor vehicle using unmuffled compression release engine braking, or jake brakes, except in an emergency situation. Any person violating this Section shall be subject to § 1-2 of this Code.

View official code

Full Breakdown

m. Noise is measured on the A-weighting scale on a standard sound-level meter at the complainant's property line, and any noise plainly audible inside a residence that reads 85 dB(A) or more at that property line is presumed unreasonably loud and raucous. , with any reading over 110 dB(A) drawing an immediate citation. Organized sporting events, fairs, carnivals, emergency vehicles, and Village vehicles on public business are exempted, and the Village Board may grant a hardship exemption if reasonable technological steps were taken to fix the noise.

Separately, § 422-22 bans braking any motor vehicle in the Village using unmuffled compression release engine braking, commonly called a jake brake, except in an emergency. Rothschild Police enforce both sections on a complaint basis; nonresidential violators get written notice to bring sound levels down within 30 days before further citation.

Violations & Fines

A first offense under either the vehicle-noise or jake-brake rule draws a fine of $10 to $100 under the Code's general penalty, § 1-2; a second conviction for the same ordinance within one year jumps to a forfeiture of $50 to $500, plus prosecution costs. Nonpayment can mean up to six months in the county jail. Nonresidential violators get a 30-day written notice before further citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rev my engine or work on my car at night in Rothschild?

Not between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a residentially zoned area. Village Code § 422-21C(1)(d) specifically bars working on vehicles, revving engines, and making other unnecessary vehicle noise in residential districts during those hours, in addition to the general 85 dB(A) threshold that applies to any loud, raucous noise measured at a neighbor's property line.

Are jake brakes illegal in Rothschild?

Yes. Village Code § 422-22 bans braking a motor vehicle in the Village using unmuffled compression release engine braking, commonly known as a jake brake, except in an emergency. The prohibition applies village-wide, not just in residential zones, and carries the Code's general penalty under § 1-2.

How loud can my car stereo be?

Rothschild treats a car stereo or other sound device the same as any other loud noise: if it is plainly audible inside a nearby residence and measures 85 dB(A) or more at the complainant's property line, § 422-21 presumes it is unreasonably loud and raucous, and the monitoring officer can order the noise reduced immediately.

What happens if I get cited twice for vehicle noise?

The first offense costs $10 to $100 under the Code's general penalty, § 1-2. A second conviction for violating the same ordinance within one year raises the forfeiture to $50 to $500 plus prosecution costs, and unpaid forfeitures can mean up to six months in the Marathon County jail.

Sources & Official References

[1]Rothschild Village Code

Other rules in Rothschild

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Construction HoursSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant Restrictions Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Barking DogsLight Restrictions Parking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Rothschild rules

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