Vancouver, WA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Vancouver Municipal Code § 9.44.010 is the city's engine brake rule. Subsection A provides that no person shall use motor vehicle brakes within the city limits that are in any way activated or operated by the unmuffled compression of the engine of that motor vehicle or any unit or part thereof. The only defense is an affirmative defense: the unmuffled compression brakes were applied in an emergency and were necessary for the protection of persons and/or property. Subsection B carves out vehicles of any municipal fire department, whether or not responding to an emergency.

Subsection C defines the term. Compression brakes means the use of the engine to retard the forward motion of a motor vehicle by compression of the engine, and the section notes they are also referred to as exhaust brakes and/or jake brakes. Subsection D gives the traffic engineer authority to post appropriate signs consistent with the section. Subsection E sets the penalty: a traffic infraction, punishable by a maximum penalty of $250 per violation.

Other vehicle noise falls under Chapter 7.05, Public Disturbance. VMC 7.05.010(A)(1)(a) makes the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle a public disturbance, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law. Subsection (A)(1)(b) covers frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds or vibrations (infrasound) in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding, or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine within a residential district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort, and repose of owners or possessors of real property. Subsection (A)(1)(f) addresses sound from portable audio equipment, such as tape players, radios, and compact disc players, operated at a volume audible greater than 50 feet from the source when the equipment is not operated upon the real property of the operator.

The list in 7.05.010 is not exclusive. Subsection B states that the enumeration of acts and noises shall not be construed as excluding other acts and noises which offend the public peace. Public disturbance is a misdemeanor under subsection C, a heavier consequence than the traffic infraction that applies to a compression brake.