Stafford Township, NJ Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Two sections of the Stafford Township Code govern vehicle noise. Section 142-6C(6) says personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment cannot be operated so that it is plainly audible at a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Section 142-6C(7) adds a daytime test: personal vehicular music amplification equipment cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. These standards sit outside the decibel tables, so officers do not need a meter reading.

Section 142-2 defines plainly audible as any sound that can be detected by a person using unaided hearing. For a portable or personal vehicular sound device, detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient, and the noise control officer need not determine the title, specific words or the artist performing the song.

Engine braking is handled in Article IIIA of the Vehicles and Traffic chapter. Section 201-8.2 defines an engine brake as any mechanical exhaust device designed to aid in the braking, decompression or deceleration of any motor vehicle, also known as a compression release brake or by the trademark Jake brake. Section 201-8.3 makes it unlawful for the operator or owner of a motor vehicle to use an engine brake on an internal-combustion-engine-powered vehicle on any public highway established for motor vehicle operation within the Township without an exhaust muffler sufficient to prevent a loud, unnecessary or unusual noise. The one exception is when braking is necessary in an emergency, defined as circumstances in which there is imminent danger of a collision with persons, property and/or animals. A truck equipped with an appropriate muffler for use with an engine brake is not prohibited.