Southfield, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Three numbered subsections of Southfield's specific noise offenses at Sec. 9.11 target motor vehicles directly. Subsection (4), Engine exhausts, makes unlawful the discharge into the open air of exhaust from any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises. Subsection (8), Horns and signal devices, bars sounding a horn on a stopped vehicle except as a danger signal, bars creating an unreasonably loud or harsh sound with any such device, and separately bars sounding a horn for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.

Subsection (12), Motor vehicles: Sound systems, makes unlawful operating a radio, tape player, disc player or other sound system in a moving or parked vehicle so as to produce sound louder than necessary for the occupants to hear it, or which offends the peace and quiet of persons of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity. All three subsections sit under the general nuisance standard of Sec. 9.10 and are designated municipal civil infractions by Sec. 1.704, which lists Sec. 9.11 among the enforceable sections; Sec. 9.12(1) exempts police, fire and ambulance vehicles engaged in emergency business.