Springdale, AR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle stereo limit
- Audible 30+ feet is a violation
- Engine brakes
- Banned citywide, narrow exceptions
- Applies to
- Public and private property
- Max fine
- Up to $1,000 per offense
Summary
Springdale bans car stereos audible 30 feet or more away and prohibits compression-release engine (Jake) brakes citywide except in genuine emergencies, treating both as noise disturbances under the vehicle-noise ordinance.
(a)It is unlawful to operate any sound amplification device from within a vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 30 feet or more from the vehicle, whether in a street, a highway, an alley, parking lot or driveway, whether public or private property, and such is declared to be a noise disturbance in violation of this chapter.(b)A compression release engine brake, or other hydraulically operated device that converts a power producing diesel or gas engine into a power absorbing retarding mechanism with a correspondingly increased amount of noise emission shall not be engaged or used within the city limits of Springdale, except in the case of failure of the service brake system, adverse weather conditions, or other emergency necessitating the compression release engine brake's use. (Ord. No. 4496, § 2, 4-26-11)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 145).
Full Breakdown
Section 42-55(a) makes it unlawful to run a vehicle's sound amplification device, stereo, radio or similar, so loudly it's plainly audible 30 feet or more away, on any street, alley, parking lot or driveway, public or private; the code declares that a noise disturbance outright. Section 42-55(b) separately bans compression-release engine brakes ('Jake brakes') anywhere within Springdale city limits, covering both the Washington and Benton County portions of the city, with narrow exceptions for service-brake failure, adverse weather, or other genuine emergencies necessitating their use.
Violations & Fines
Both violations are noise disturbances under chapter 42, punishable by the Code's general penalty: up to $1,000 per offense, or $500 per day if continuing (§ 1-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Jake brakes illegal in Springdale?
How loud can my car stereo be in Springdale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springdale
Compare Springdale to another location·View the Arkansas noise ordinances overview
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