South Bend, IN Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 20-122 makes it unlawful for anyone to cause noise from a light motor vehicle, defined in Section 20-121 to include cars, motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs and trucks under 8,000 pounds, that exceeds 80 dB(A) anywhere within city limits, at any time, measured on a sound level meter no closer than 15 feet from the vehicle. Section 20-123 separately targets excessive noise caused by a defective or modified exhaust system, unnecessary rapid acceleration, deceleration, revving, tire squealing, or the operation of radios, phonographs, horns and tape players on or from the vehicle, meaning a loud car stereo is independently unlawful even if the 80 dB(A) threshold is not tested.

Section 20-124 exempts emergency vehicle sirens, electronic burglar alarms on vehicles, and duly authorized parades. Enforcement runs through South Bend Police: Section 20-125 requires an officer who believes the article was violated to record the driver's name, address, license number and vehicle registration and issue a written citation, with violations proven by a Type II ANSI-certified sound level meter. The Common Council adopted this article, Ordinance No. 6938-81, after finding that excessive vehicle noise threatens public health, welfare, safety and quality of life (Section 20-120).

The city may also post warning signs on main arterial streets under Section 20-126. This article is distinct from the general 'loud and raucous noise' ban in Section 13-57, which Article 12 cross-references as a related but separate provision.