Royal Oak Township, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 8-23(c) of the Royal Oak Charter Township Code prohibits operating or controlling a parked or moving vehicle with any sound amplification equipment in or on the vehicle that produces sound clearly audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle. The test is audibility at a distance, not a decibel reading, and it reaches a parked car with a running stereo just as it reaches a moving one.

Section 8-19 defines sound amplification as any device designed to increase the sound level of the human voice, music or any other sound. The definition carves out two items: standard factory installed automobile radios when used to be heard by only the occupants of the vehicle, and warning devices on emergency and traffic safety vehicles. An aftermarket amplifier or subwoofer is therefore the kind of equipment the rule targets, while a factory radio heard only inside the cabin is outside it.

The prohibition does not apply to noise or sound emanating from publicly sponsored or publicly permitted concerts, sporting events, speeches, activities, events or gatherings. A driver who cannot comply can look to § 8-23(d): on demonstrating in advance to the Township Board that compliance would result in unreasonable hardship and that there are no reasonable means of limiting the sound, the Township Board shall grant the right to emit noise.

The provision is about amplified sound from vehicles. It does not address mufflers or engine brakes. The purpose clause in § 8-21 states that the noise article applies to the control of all stationary sound and vibration originating in the township, and § 8-22 lists the factors for judging a general noise violation, among them the sound level, the proximity of the noise to residential areas, the time of day or night, and the duration of the noise.