Sandy, UT Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard vehicle limit (≤40 mph)
- 80 dB(A)
- Standard vehicle limit (>40 mph)
- 84 dB(A)
- Heavy truck limit (≤40 mph)
- 90 dB(A)
- Measurement distance
- 25 feet from lane, 4 feet high
- Jake brake use
- Banned except imminent danger
Summary
Sandy City caps motor vehicle noise at 80 dB(A) on roads with a 40 mph or lower speed limit and 84 dB(A) above 40 mph for standard vehicles, with higher limits for heavy trucks. Defective, cut-out or missing mufflers are separately unlawful.
No person shall drive or move or cause or knowingly permit to be driven or moved a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles at any time in such a manner as to exceed the following noise limits... GCWR of 10,000 pounds or more, or any combination of vehicles towed by such motor vehicle. 90 [dB(A) at 40 MPH or less] 94 [over 40 MPH]. Any other motor vehicle or any combination of vehicles towed by any motor vehicle. 80 84... No person shall operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle unless the exhaust of such vehicle is: Free from defects which affect sound reduction; Equipped with a muffler or other noise dissipative device; and Not equipped with any cut-out, bypass or similar device.
Full Breakdown
Sandy City Code section 13-2-9 sets a noise table by vehicle weight and posted speed: any vehicle or combination with a gross combination weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more may not exceed 90 dB(A) where the speed limit is 40 mph or less, or 94 dB(A) above 40 mph; any other motor vehicle is capped at 80 dB(A) at 40 mph or less and 84 dB(A) above 40 mph. Measurements are taken at least 25 feet from the nearest monitored lane and at least four feet above the road surface.
The same section separately requires every vehicle's exhaust to be free from defects affecting sound reduction, equipped with a muffler or other noise-dissipative device, and not fitted with any cut-out, bypass, or similar device, enforced consistent with Utah Code Title 41. Section 13-2-4 additionally makes it unlawful to operate any vehicle with a defect or in a manner that violates the Section 13-2-5 district noise limits, separately bans dynamic braking devices such as Jake Brakes except to avert imminent danger, and caps a stationary running vehicle at 15 minutes in a residential zone.
Aftermarket exhaust or stereo noise that pushes a vehicle over these table limits, or that causes a noise disturbance under Section 13-2-5, is a Chapter 13-2 violation. Section 13-2-10 assigns the Salt Lake City-County Health Department primary responsibility for vehicular-source enforcement alongside police.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 13-2-9's noise limits or muffler requirements is an infraction under Section 13-2-11, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense, and is also declared a nuisance under Section 13-2-12 subject to court-ordered abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud aftermarket exhaust illegal in Sandy?
Can I use an engine (Jake) brake in Sandy?
How long can I idle a car with a loud stereo or engine in a residential area?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sandy
Compare Sandy to another location·View the Utah noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle vehicle noise.