Spokane Valley, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audio system limit
- Audible beyond 50 feet
- Audio violation type
- Class 1 civil infraction
- Engine/exhaust noise standard
- WAC 173-60 maximum levels
- Engine noise violation type
- Public nuisance, § 7.05.040(K)
Summary
Spokane Valley draws a hard line on car stereo noise: SVMC § 9.30.050 bans any vehicle audio system, tape deck, radio, or CD player, audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle. Separately, § 7.05.040(K)(1) treats vehicle engine and equipment noise that exceeds state WAC 173-60 limits and intrudes into a neighbor's residential property as a public nuisance.
§ 9.30.050. Excessive noise from vehicle audio system prohibited. The sound from any motor vehicle audio system such as tape players, radio, and compact disc players at volumes so high as to be audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle itself is prohibited. ... K. Noise. 1. Any noise or sound that, originating within a residential zone, intrudes into the property of another person that exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels pursuant to Chapter 173-60 WAC, as currently adopted and hereafter amended. Such noise or sound may include, but is not limited to, noise or sound created by use of a radio, television set, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or other device capable of producing or reproducing noise or sound; or in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding, or testing of any vehicle, off-highway machinery or equipment, or internal combustion engine.
Full Breakdown
Two Spokane Valley code sections cover vehicle noise from different angles. 010, targets audio equipment specifically: it is unlawful for the sound from 'any motor vehicle audio system such as tape players, radio, and compact disc players' to be audible more than 50 feet from the vehicle, a bright-line distance test with no exception for time of day. 080, not a criminal charge. 040(K)(1), part of the general nuisance chapter, covers engine and equipment noise: any sound 'originating within a residential zone' that intrudes onto a neighbor's property and 'exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels pursuant to Chapter 173-60 WAC' is a public nuisance, and the section expressly lists noise 'in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding, or testing of any vehicle, off-highway machinery or equipment, or internal combustion engine' as covered conduct, reaching modified exhausts, revving, and engine-brake noise, not just stereos.
040(K)(2), including normal right-of-way use and vehicle noise separately regulated under WAC 173-62. Together the two sections let the City cite a loud stereo as a straightforward civil infraction while routing louder exhausts or engine noise through the nuisance-abatement process instead.
Violations & Fines
A car stereo audible beyond 50 feet violates § 9.30.050 and is a Class 1 civil infraction under § 9.30.080. Excessive engine, exhaust, or equipment noise that intrudes onto a neighbor's property in a residential zone above WAC 173-60 limits is a public nuisance under § 7.05.040(K)(1), enforceable through the City's nuisance abatement process under Chapter 7.05 SVMC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car stereo legally be in Spokane Valley?
Does the noise code cover loud exhausts and engine-braking?
Is a loud stereo a criminal charge in Spokane Valley?
Are there exceptions to the residential noise nuisance rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.