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Springfield, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Stereo audibility limit
plainly audible at 50 ft
Engine brakes
banned citywide
Engine brake fine
$300
Engine brake ban added
10-8-2010

Summary

Springfield, Massachusetts bans loud car stereos audible 50 feet away and prohibits engine (Jake) brakes citywide, under City Code §§ 259-4 and 385-50.

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an amplification device, as defined above, so as to be plainly audible at 50 feet, in or on a:

A. Motor vehicle on a public or private way, or in a public place;

B. Public way, in a private way open to public use, or in any other public place; and

C. Residential premises or on the land of such residential premises.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4680006; v21 updated 2025-12-15; through 12-15-2025).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 259-4 makes it unlawful to operate an amplification device, defined to include a car radio, stereo, tape or CD player, or speaker, so that it is plainly audible at 50 feet, whether in a motor vehicle on a public or private way or elsewhere in public. Separately, Article X of Chapter 385 bans engine brakes outright: § 385-50 states that 'The use of engine brakes shall be prohibited throughout the City,' added by City Council order in 2010. Both sit alongside the Noise chapter's general 100-foot 'unreasonable noise' standard defined at § 259-1.

Violations & Fines

A too-loud car stereo violates § 259-4's 50-foot audibility standard; using engine/Jake brakes anywhere in the City violates § 385-50 and carries a $300 fine under § 385-51.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can truckers use Jake brakes in Springfield, Massachusetts?
No, § 385-50 prohibits engine brake use throughout the City, with a $300 fine under § 385-51 for violations.
How loud can a car stereo legally be in Springfield?
It's unlawful under § 259-4 if it's plainly audible from 50 feet away, whether the vehicle is on a public or private way.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

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All Springfield rules

Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview

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