Warwick, RI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 76-139(a) bars operating, or allowing to be operated, a motor vehicle at any speed, grade, load, acceleration or deceleration in a manner that exceeds the noise limit measured 50 feet from the center of the travel lane: 86 dBA in speed zones of 35 mph or less, and 90 dBA in speed zones above 35 mph, with dBA defined as decibels weighted to the 'A' scale on a calibrated sound level meter. Subsection (b) separately targets in-car audio: it is unlawful for a motor vehicle radio, stereo or audio system to produce sound exceeding 86 dBA measured from a minimum of five feet in any direction from the vehicle.

Police cars, ambulances and fire apparatus are exempt from the stereo rule, and the Warwick Board of Public Safety may issue a temporary exemption by special permit on a showing of good cause. 00 for any violation of the stereo/audio subsection. These limits sit within the traffic chapter's general vehicle-equipment article, alongside related equipment rules such as horn volume (audible from 200 feet, section 76-146) and headlamp/signal lamp visibility standards (section 76-144), showing the noise limit is enforced as part of routine vehicle equipment compliance rather than a separate nuisance ordinance.