Springfield, MO Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo limit
- Audible 50+ feet away is unlawful
- Nighttime rule
- 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. audible off-vehicle
- Mufflers
- Required; no cutouts, § 106-15
- Fine
- $100.00 civil penalty, § 78-116
Summary
Springfield, Missouri bars operating a vehicle sound system so loud it's plainly audible 50 feet away, and separately requires every motor vehicle to run a properly attached, quiet muffler with no cutouts.
No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system from within the vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 or more feet from the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Springfield City Code § 78-113(2)d.2 makes it unlawful to operate or permit a sound amplification system inside a motor vehicle on a street, alley, parking lot or driveway so that it's plainly audible 50 feet or more away. A companion nighttime rule, § 78-113(2)d.1, bars playing a sound-producing device from a parked vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it can be heard off the vehicle. Separately, § 106-15 requires every motor vehicle to carry a properly attached muffler that quiets exhaust noise, bans muffler cutouts, and prohibits driving in a way that creates excessive machinery or motor noise.
Violations & Fines
Enforced through the city's vehicle-owner noise citation process at § 78-116: a $100.00 civil penalty per violation, with a right to an administrative hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car stereo legally be in Springfield, Missouri?
Is there a specific fine for loud car stereos in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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