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Waco, TX Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Waco Code § 16-205
Residential limit
85 dBA day / 80 dBA night
Measurement point
~30 feet from vehicle exterior
Nonresidential limit
85 dBA any hour
Enforcement
Waco Police; Class C misdemeanor

Summary

Waco bans amplified sound from equipment in or on a motor vehicle when it exceeds the citywide ceilings, 85 dBA daytime and 80 dBA nighttime on residential property, measured at or near 30 feet from the vehicle's nearest external point.

The production or reproduction of sound from amplification equipment contained in or mounted on a motor vehicle that produces sound in excess of the limits set forth in section 16-202, when measured at or near 30 feet from the nearest external point on the vehicle, or otherwise produces noises which are unreasonably loud, irritating, or disturbing, are hereby prohibited and declared to be unlawful as a sound nuisance in violation of this article, except as permitted by section 13-243 of this code.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).

Full Breakdown

Section 16-205 makes amplified car audio a sound nuisance when it breaks the Section 16-202 ceilings, measured at or near 30 feet from the nearest external point on the vehicle. Those ceilings are 85 dBA daytime and 80 dBA nighttime on residential property, and 85 dBA at any hour on nonresidential property. A companion rule, Section 16-204, separately bans loud grating, grinding, or rattling from a vehicle out of repair. Officers measure with a calibrated Type 1 or Type 2 sound meter on the A-weighted slow scale (Section 16-208). Sound authorized by a Section 13-243 permit is exempt. Waco police enforce it as a Class C misdemeanor sound nuisance.

Violations & Fines

Amplified vehicle audio measurable above 85 dBA, 80 dBA at night on residential property, at roughly 30 feet is a prohibited sound nuisance, prosecuted by Waco police as a Class C misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can my car stereo be in Waco?
On residential property it cannot exceed 85 dBA during the day or 80 dBA at night, measured at or near 30 feet from the nearest external point of the vehicle.
How is a vehicle noise violation measured?
With a calibrated Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter on the A-weighted slow scale, per Section 16-208, taken at or near 30 feet from the vehicle.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. Sound authorized under a permit issued through Section 13-243 is exempt, and emergency or authorized emergency-vehicle sound is an affirmative defense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Waco

Quiet HoursLight RestrictionsConstruction HoursLight RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Waco rules

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