Topeka, KS Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

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 audible at a distance of 50 or more feet from the vehicle.

(b) Definitions. For the purpose of this section: “Audible” means any sound produced by a sound amplification system from within a vehicle which can be heard at a distance of 50 feet or more. Measurement standards shall be by the auditory senses, based upon direct line of sight. Words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations are included. The motor vehicle may be stopped, standing, parked or moving on a street, highway, alley, parking lot or driveway. “Sound amplification system” means any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker, or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound.

(c) Defense to Prosecution. It is an affirmative defense to a charge under this section that the operator of the vehicle was not otherwise prohibited by law from operating the sound amplification system, and that any of the following apply:

(1) The system was being operated to request medical or vehicular assistance or to warn of a hazardous road condition;

(2) The vehicle was an emergency or public safety vehicle;

(3) The vehicle was owned and operated by the City or a gas, electric, communications or refuse company;