Sec. 22-205(4) bars vehicles in poor repair that make loud and raucous noise, requires a working exhaust system with tailpipe and resonator, and prohibits squealing or screeching tires and unnecessary horn use. Sec. 22-205(11) bans vehicle sound systems audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle.
Rowlett's Code of Ordinances addresses vehicle noise in two parts of Sec. 22-205. Sec. 22-205(4) prohibits using any automobile, motorcycle, streetcar, bus, or vehicle so out of repair or so loaded that it emits or makes loud and raucous noise; operating any motor vehicle unless equipped with an exhaust system including a tailpipe and resonator where the original design included them; causing squealing, screeching, or other tire sounds from rapid acceleration or excessive speed around corners; sounding any horn or signal device except as a danger signal as required by law; and operating any motor vehicle so as to exceed the Sec. 22-204 sound limits for the receiving land use or otherwise unreasonably disturb neighbors. Sec. 22-205(11) targets car audio: no person may operate any radio, tape, cassette, CD, DVD player, or other sound-reproducing device from or near a motor vehicle (other than an authorized emergency vehicle) so that the sound can be heard at a radius of 50 feet or more. The ordinance creates a presumption that the operator or owner present, a property owner or tenant present, and certain absent owners are responsible, and allows an unattended offending vehicle not on residential property to be towed and impounded. Enforcement falls to the Department of Planning and Environmental Services (Sec. 22-207), with police also enforcing vehicle equipment and disorderly-conduct rules.
Vehicle noise violations under Sec. 22-205(4) and (11) are Chapter 22 violations, punishable under Sec. 1-13 by a fine not exceeding $500.00 where no other penalty is fixed, with each day a separate offense. An unattended offending vehicle not on residential property may be towed and impounded under Sec. 22-205(11)(c). State traffic and disorderly-conduct law may also apply.
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