Sherman, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo limit
- Audible or vibration felt at 30 feet, causing a noise disturbance
- Exhaust
- Must pass a muffler or device that prevents loud noise
- Engine braking
- Unlawful within the city limits (§ 12.02.010)
- Fine
- Not to exceed $500 per offense
- Out-of-repair vehicles, per se hours
- 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. in residence or quiet zone
Summary
In the City of Sherman, Texas, a vehicle sound system is a violation when it is audible at 30 feet, or its vibration is felt at 30 feet, in a manner that causes a noise disturbance. Exhaust without an effective muffler, loud out-of-repair vehicles and engine braking are also prohibited. Fines reach $500 per offense.
(3) Vehicular sound amplification systems.Operating or controlling a motor vehicle in either a public or private place within the city and operating any sound device which is part of, or connected to, any radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette tape player, or other similar device in the motor vehicle in such a manner that, when operated, it is audible at a distance of 30 feet, or when operated, causes a person to be aware of the vibration accompanying the sound at a distance of 30 feet from the source when such operation is done in a manner which causes a noise disturbance. ... (10) Same–Exhaust.The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any motor vehicle in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance, except as discharged through a muffler or other device which effectively and efficiently prevents loud and unusual noises and annoying smoke.
Full Breakdown
The City of Sherman regulates vehicle noise in two places: the noise ordinance in Article 8.07 of Chapter 8, and the engine braking section of the traffic chapter, § 12.02.010.
Sound systems. Section 8.07.003(b)(3) applies to operating or controlling a motor vehicle in either a public or private place within the city. A sound device that is part of, or connected to, a radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette tape player or similar device is a violation when it is audible at a distance of 30 feet, or when it makes a person aware of the vibration accompanying the sound at 30 feet from the source, and the operation causes a noise disturbance. Article 8.07 defines a noise disturbance as any sound which annoys or disturbs a reasonable, prudent adult person, or which interferes with public peace and comfort.
Exhaust and vehicle condition. Subsection (b)(10) prohibits discharging a motor vehicle's exhaust into the open air in a way that causes a noise disturbance, except as discharged through a muffler or other device which effectively and efficiently prevents loud and unusual noises and annoying smoke. Subsection (b)(9) covers vehicles so out of repair, so modified or so loaded that they emit loud or unnecessary grading, grinding or rasping noise, excessive tire spinning, or unnecessary engine racing. In a residence or quiet zone that activity is a noise disturbance per se between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.; in a nonresidential district the per se window is 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. A quiet zone reaches 500 feet from a residential district or a school, college, hospital, clinic or library.
Engine braking. Section 12.02.010 makes it unlawful within the city limits to use an engine brake, jake brake, compression brake or similar device that results in excessive, loud, unusual or explosive noise. It exempts effectively muffled braking, unmuffled braking needed to protect persons or property, emergency equipment and city-owned equipment. The director of public works and engineering may erect signs to enforce it.
Emergency vehicle sirens and horns used when responding to an emergency are exempt under § 8.07.004, and the assistant city manager grants permits of variance under § 8.07.006.
Violations & Fines
Article 8.07 violations are misdemeanors punished by a fine not to exceed $500, and each day a violation occurs or continues is a separate offense (§ 8.07.008). The city can also seek injunctive relief under § 8.07.009. Engine braking carries its own fine not to exceed $500 for each offense, and multiple violations can arise from one occurrence if the noise continues after a citation. Neither penalty clause requires proof of a culpable mental state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car stereo be in the City of Sherman, Texas?
Is a loud exhaust illegal in Sherman?
Are jake brakes banned in Sherman?
Does the stereo rule apply on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sherman
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Sherman to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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