Sandy Springs, GA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Sec. 38-88(a) sets maximum sound levels for motor vehicles and motorcycles operating on a public right-of-way, measured at 50 feet or more. Vehicles of 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or more are capped at 86 dB(A) where the speed limit is 35 mph or less and 90 dB(A) above that; motorcycles are capped at 82 dB(A) and 86 dB(A); all other vehicles are capped at 76 dB(A) and 82 dB(A). The section exempts motor carrier vehicles engaged in interstate commerce, which are instead regulated under federal law.

Subsection (c) separately targets car stereos: it is unlawful to play a radio, tape player, CD player, loudspeaker or other amplification device inside a vehicle parked or operating on public or private property, including streets and alleys, in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of people outside the vehicle. , if the sound is audible to the human ear from 100 feet or more away, that alone is prima facie evidence of a violation, meaning officers do not need a sound meter reading to write the citation.

The subsection carves out vehicles in a duly authorized parade and vehicle alarms or security devices. Enforcement runs through the same code enforcement officers and police officers described in Sec. 38-83, who must complete noise-measurement training before citing a driver, and violations are returnable to the municipal court under the procedures in Sec. 38-85.