Sheboygan, WI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 118-6 is the traffic code's vehicle noise rule. Subsection (a) provides that no person shall make unnecessary and annoying noise with a motor vehicle by squealing tires or the excessive acceleration of the engine. Subsection (b) sets its own penalty: a forfeiture of not less than $30.00 and not more than $50.00, and in default of payment, imprisonment in the county jail until the forfeiture and costs are paid, but not to exceed ten days. Chapter 66 Article III adds several vehicle-related noise rules that run alongside it.

Section 66-73 declares it a violation to sound a horn or signal device on a vehicle in motion except as a danger signal when brakes are being applied and deceleration is intended, to create an unreasonably loud or harsh sound with a signal device, or to sound it for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time. Section 66-74 covers car stereos and radios: playing any radio or device designed to play live or recorded music, speech or other noise in such a manner or with such volume as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, hospital, hotel or other residence, or of any person in the vicinity, violates the article.

Section 66-76 reaches any automobile, motorcycle, bus or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or so operated as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. Section 66-77 requires the exhaust of a motor vehicle engine, among others, to discharge through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises. Section 66-78 bars mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving or standing vehicles for advertising or other purposes. Those Chapter 66 violations carry the section 66-2(1) ladder, starting at $10 to $50. The text is as printed in the Municode edition current to March 8, 2023.