Shoreline, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle noise standard
- WAC 173-62-030, adopted by SMC § 9.05.050
- Stereo audibility limit
- Not audible beyond 50 feet off owner's property
- Also covered
- Exhaust systems, tire squeal, horn/siren misuse
- Fine
- $100.00 per violation, per day
- Enforcing agency
- Code enforcement officer or Shoreline Police
Summary
SMC § 9.05.050 bars operating a motor vehicle on Shoreline's public highways in violation of the state's WAC 173-62-030 noise performance standards, and § 9.05.070(F) separately makes it a public nuisance to run vehicle audio equipment loud enough to be heard more than 50 feet away when not on the operator's own property.
§ 9.05.050. Motor vehicle noise performance standards. ... No person shall operate any motor vehicle or any combination of such vehicle upon the public highways in violation of the standards specified in WAC 173-62-030, as amended from time to time, which is hereby adopted by reference. ... Sound from audio equipment or motor vehicle audio sound equipment, such as radios, compact disc players, and MP3 players, that are operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the source, and if not operated upon the property of the operator. ... Sounds from motor vehicle engines and/or exhaust systems in violation of performance standards provided in WAC 173-62-030.
Full Breakdown
Two sections of Chapter 9.05 target vehicle noise. Section 9.05.050 adopts WAC 173-62-030 by reference, making it unlawful to operate any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles on Shoreline's public highways in violation of that state performance standard, as amended from time to time. Section 9.05.070 then lists specific vehicle sounds the city defines as public nuisance noise: subsection (F) covers sound from audio equipment or motor vehicle audio sound equipment, such as radios, compact disc players, and MP3 players, operated at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the source when not on the operator's own property; subsection (G) separately flags sounds from motor vehicle engines and/or exhaust systems in violation of the WAC 173-62-030 performance standards; and subsection (H) covers tire squeal or screech from rapid acceleration, braking, or excessive cornering speed, except when the driver acted to avoid danger.
Subsection (A) adds frequent, repetitive, or continuous horn or siren use, except as a warning of danger or as legally required. Enforcement runs through § 9.05.090: the code enforcement officer or Shoreline Police Department can cite a civil infraction with a $100.00 fine per violation, each day counted separately, appealable to King County District Court, West Division (Shoreline).
Violations & Fines
A loud exhaust, an audible-past-50-feet car stereo, tire squeal from unnecessary hard braking or cornering, or misuse of a horn or siren is a public nuisance violation under SMC § 9.05.070, punished as a civil infraction under § 9.05.090 with a $100.00 fine per violation, each day counted separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get in trouble for a loud car stereo in Shoreline?
Does Shoreline regulate loud exhaust or muffler noise?
Is peeling out or squealing tires illegal in Shoreline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shoreline
Compare Shoreline to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle vehicle noise.