Shreveport, LA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility limit
- Not plainly audible past 50 feet
- Muffler requirement
- Adequate muffler required to keep exemption
- Handheld device noise
- Also barred if unreasonably disturbing
- First-offense penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 30 days jail
- Governing sections
- § 58-29(b)-(c); § 58-30(5)
Summary
Shreveport bans vehicle sound amplification devices, including car stereos, whose noise is plainly audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle in any direction, under Code of Ordinances § 58-29(c). A companion clause in § 58-29(b) targets any unreasonably disturbing vehicle stereo or handheld-device noise, and vehicles on traffic ways must run adequate mufflers to keep their exemption under § 58-30(5).
(b)No person or entity shall cause, allow, assist in making, permit, or continue the operation of any unreasonably disturbing noise from any vehicle sound amplification device (whether wholly or partially contained within the automobile) or handheld mobile electronic device that is of such character, intensity, or duration as to be detrimental to the life, health, comfort, or repose of any individual of ordinary sensibilities residing in or occupying the area.(c)No person or entity shall cause, allow, assist in making, permit, or continue the operation of any unreasonably disturbing noise from any vehicle or vehicle sound amplification device...that is plainly audible at a distance of more than 50 feet in any direction from the operator.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 Update 1 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
or handheld mobile electronic device that is of such character, intensity, or duration as to be detrimental to the life, health, comfort, or repose of any individual of ordinary sensibilities residing in or occupying the area,' catching cases where the 50-foot line is not clearly crossed but the disturbance is still real. Ordinary vehicle and motorcycle noise on the city's traffic ways is exempt from the noise ordinance under § 58-30(5), but only 'provided that adequate mufflers or sound dissipative devices are properly installed,' so a straight-piped or modified exhaust forfeits the exemption and is judged under the general prohibited-acts standard of § 58-29(a) and the flat decibel ceilings of § 58-28(d).
Noises from automobiles, trucks, airplanes, motorcycles and railroads that are separately regulated by state and federal equipment law are exempted under § 58-30(4), which is why the muffler exemption in (5) is framed as a condition rather than a blanket pass. Enforcement runs through the police department's noise enforcement officer under § 58-27(a).
Violations & Fines
A vehicle stereo or exhaust violation is enforced under § 58-35 like any other Division 1 noise offense: up to a $500.00 fine and 30 days in jail for a first conviction, up to $750.00 and 60 days for a second, and up to $1,000.00 and 90 days for a third, with civil remedies including injunctive relief also available to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far away can my car stereo be heard legally in Shreveport?
Does a loud exhaust or straight pipe break the noise ordinance?
What if the noise doesn't carry 50 feet but still bothers a neighbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shreveport
Compare Shreveport to another location·View the Louisiana noise ordinances overview
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