Sedona, AZ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Muffler
- Required at all times, good working order
- Cutouts/bypass devices
- Prohibited outright
- Engine brakes
- Banned if noisier than without device
- Exempt
- Public safety vehicles
- Moving noise limit (heavy, over 6,000 lbs)
- 88-92 dB(A) at 50 feet
- Civil penalty
- Up to $2,500 per offense
Summary
Sedona requires every motor vehicle to run a working muffler and bans cutout or bypass devices that defeat it. Compression-release engine braking that adds noise beyond what the vehicle would otherwise produce is also unlawful, except for public safety vehicles.
2. Motor Vehicle Mufflers. It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle which shall not at all times be equipped with a muffler upon the exhaust thereof in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and it is unlawful for any person operating any motor vehicle to use a cutout, bypass or similar muffler elimination appliance. ... 3. Braking Devices. It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to use or operate or cause to be used or operated within the city any compression release or other engine braking device designed to aid in the braking or deceleration of any vehicle which results in noise in excess of that which would otherwise be produced from such vehicle without such braking device. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to public safety vehicles.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Initiative Ordinance 2026-01, approved by voters at the July 21, 2026 election).
Full Breakdown
040(C)(2), "Motor Vehicle Mufflers," makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle that is not equipped at all times with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and separately bans using a cutout, bypass or similar muffler-elimination device. 040(C)(3), "Braking Devices," makes it unlawful for a driver to use a compression-release or other engine braking device, commonly called a Jake brake, designed to aid braking or deceleration, if it results in noise beyond what the vehicle would produce without it; the subsection expressly exempts public safety vehicles.
040(C)(4), sets numeric noise limits for moving vehicles measured at 50 feet from the center of the travel lane: 88 dB(A) at speeds of 35 mph or less and 92 dB(A) above 35 mph for heavier vehicles, motorcycles and towed combinations rated 6,000 pounds or more, and 82 dB(A) or 86 dB(A) for the same speed brackets for lighter vehicles. 030(C) and target the vehicle itself rather than a fixed property, so they can be enforced anywhere a vehicle travels through the city, not just near a residential property line.
Violations & Fines
A muffler, cutout, bypass or unlawful engine-braking violation under SCC 8.25.040(C)(2) or (C)(3) is a civil violation under SCC 8.25.070(A)(1), punishable by a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per offense, with each day of continuing violation counted separately. A driver found responsible for three or more such violations within 24 months is a habitual offender under SCC 8.25.070(A)(2), facing a class 1 misdemeanor charge, up to six months in jail, and a mandatory minimum $500 fine per count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to remove my car's muffler in Sedona?
Can I use a Jake brake on my truck in Sedona?
Are there specific decibel limits just for moving vehicles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sedona
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