Unmuffled exhaust on motor vehicles, off-road vehicles and watercraft is a day-and-night public disturbance noise under SCC 10.01.040(1)(b). SCC 10.01.030(4) also sets on-road dB(A) caps measured 50 feet from the lane: motorcycles 78/82, cars and light trucks 72/78.
SCC 10.01.040(1)(b) makes unmuffled exhaust systems a public disturbance noise at any hour, and 10.01.040(1)(c) covers frequent starting, repairing or testing of engines that disturbs rural or residential neighbors. SCC 10.01.030(4) sets maximum motor-vehicle sound levels measured 50 feet from the center of the lane at the posted speed: motorcycles 78 dB(A) at 35 mph or less and 82 dB(A) over 35 mph; automobiles and light trucks 10,000 lbs or less GVWR 72 and 78 dB(A); vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR 86 and 90 dB(A). Idling stationary trucks over 10,000 lbs for more than 10 minutes at night is also a disturbance.
On-road vehicle noise is enforced under the vehicle standards; unmuffled-exhaust and engine-testing disturbances are enforced by the Sheriff. Civil penalties are $100/$250, doubling for repeats within three years.
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