Smyrna, TN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- No unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise
- Sound systems
- Named hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Exhaust
- Muffler or effective noise-preventing device required
- Horn, stationary vehicle
- Danger signal only
- Engine and tires
- No racing the motor or squealing tires (§ 15-119)
- Penalty
- General penalty provision; each day a separate violation
Summary
In the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee, § 11-401 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise and names car stereos, rattling or grinding vehicles, and exhaust without a muffler as examples. Section 15-119 adds a ban on unnecessary horn use, racing the motor, and squealing tires.
(b)Radios, phonographs, and the like. The playing of any radio, phonograph, or any musical instrument or sound device, including, but not limited to, loudspeakers or other devices for reproduction or amplification of sound, either independently of or in connection with motion pictures, radio, or television, in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in any office or hospital, or in any dwelling, hotel, or other type of residence, or of any person in the vicinity; ... (e)Use of vehicle. The use of any automobile, motorcycle, truck, or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or in such manner as to cause loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise; ... (g)Exhaust discharge. To discharge into the open air the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle, or boat engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom;
Full Breakdown
Vehicle noise in the Town of Smyrna, Tennessee is covered by the anti-noise regulations in § 11-401 and by the traffic rules in Title 15. Section 11-401 prohibits the creating of any unreasonably loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noise, and noise of such character, intensity, or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual, or in disturbance of the public peace and welfare. It lists vehicle noises as examples without making the list exclusive.
Sound systems fall under § 11-401(1)(b): playing a radio or any sound device in such a manner or with such volume, particularly between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in a dwelling, hotel, or other residence, or of any person in the vicinity. Section 11-401(1)(e) prohibits using a vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or in such manner as to cause loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise. Exhaust is covered by § 11-401(1)(g), which prohibits discharging the exhaust of a motor vehicle or boat engine into the open air except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises.
Horns get two rules. Section 11-401(1)(a) prohibits sounding a horn or signal device on a vehicle that is not in motion except as a danger signal, and § 15-119 makes it unlawful to cause unnecessary noise by unnecessarily sounding the horn, racing the motor, or causing the screeching or squealing of the tires on any motor vehicle. Section 15-102 requires every motor vehicle operated in the town to carry a properly operating muffler, lights, brakes, and horn. Mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving or standing vehicles are covered by § 11-401(1)(l). The exceptions in § 11-401(2) cover Town vehicles engaged upon necessary public business, night repair of bridges, streets, or highways by or for the town, county, or state, and reasonable noncommercial or nonprofit loudspeaker use under a permit from the Town Clerk.
Violations & Fines
Under § 11-402, a violation of any provision of Chapter 4 subjects the offender to a penalty under the general penalty provision of the Smyrna Municipal Code, and each day an offense occurs is a separate violation. The test written into § 11-401 is character, intensity, or duration: noise that is detrimental to the life or health of any individual, or that disturbs the public peace and welfare, is prohibited. Muffler and equipment violations under § 15-102 are separate traffic offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play my car stereo loud at night in Smyrna?
Do I need a muffler on my vehicle in Smyrna?
Is squealing tires or revving an engine illegal?
Can a truck use a loudspeaker to advertise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Smyrna
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