Smithtown, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Horn/alarm section
- Town Code § 207-2B(7)
- Vehicle condition section
- Town Code § 207-2B(9)
- Added by
- L.L. No. 2-2016, effective 11-1-2016
- Standard used
- Creates a 'noise disturbance,' no dBA reading required
- First-offense fine
- Up to $500
Summary
Smithtown bars horns, alarms and signaling devices sounded harshly or repetitively so as to create a noise disturbance, and separately bars driving a vehicle so out of repair or loaded that it rattles, grinds or grates. Both fall under the Town's noise chapter.
Horns and signaling devices: the sounding of any horn, signaling device or alarm (except as in danger warning pursuant to § 375 of the Vehicle and Traffic Code of the State of New York) which results in a harsh or loud sound or repetitive sounds for any unreasonable or unnecessary period of time so as to create a noise disturbance. ... Condition of vehicle or load: the use of any automobile, motorcycle, or vehicle so out of repair, or loaded in such a manner so as to create loud, grating, grinding, rattling or other sounds so as to create a noise disturbance.
Full Breakdown
Town Code § 207-2B(7) prohibits sounding any horn, signaling device or alarm, except as a danger warning under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 375, in a way that results in a harsh or loud sound or repetitive sounds for any unreasonable or unnecessary period so as to create a noise disturbance. That subsection was added by Local Law No. 2-2016. A separate subsection, § 207-2B(9), added by the same local law, targets the vehicle itself: it bars using any automobile, motorcycle or vehicle so out of repair, or loaded in such a manner, as to create loud, grating, grinding, rattling or other sounds constituting a noise disturbance.
Neither subsection requires a decibel reading; both are judged by whether the sound rises to a 'noise disturbance' as the chapter's general prohibition in § 207-2A describes. audible 50 feet away.
Violations & Fines
A first violation under § 207-7 is punishable by a fine of up to $500; a second offense draws not less than $1,000, and a third or subsequent offense not less than $1,500, with up to 15 days imprisonment possible for any violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is honking a car horn illegal in Smithtown?
Can I be cited for a loud, rattling truck in Smithtown?
Does a loud car stereo fall under a specific Smithtown section?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Smithtown
New York rules heatmap·Compare Smithtown to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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