Salem, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

SRC 93.020(a) makes it unlawful to operate any device that produces or amplifies sound, including, but not limited to, radios, stereos and amplifiers, in a manner plainly audible inside any dwelling unit, church, business, day care center or school other than the source, or 150 feet or more onto public property or right-of-way without written government authorization. That reaches a car stereo parked on the street or idling at a light just as it reaches a home system.

SRC 93.020(e) separately bans any dynamic braking device on any motor vehicle, the compression-release engine brakes sometimes called Jake brakes used by trucks and buses, except to avoid imminent danger to persons or property, with no time-of-day exception; the ban runs around the clock. SRC 93.020(g) adds that repairing or testing a motor vehicle in a way that is plainly audible inside a dwelling is unlawful between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., which covers loud exhaust or engine work done by a home mechanic or shop overnight.

Tire noise is handled outside chapter 93 entirely: SRC 100.310, in the traffic code, makes it unlawful for a driver to cause any squealing or screeching noise from the tires as a result of unnecessary rapid acceleration, whether or not the driver intended the noise, except when the noise results from emergency action to avoid danger.