Wayne County, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Restricted hours (Sun-Thu)
- 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
- Restricted hours (Fri/Sat)
- 12:01 a.m.-7:00 a.m.
- Violation threshold
- 60 dB or audible at 100 ft
- First-offense fine
- $25 civil penalty
- Repeat offense
- Vehicle/equipment impoundment
Summary
Wayne County bans loud amplified vehicle stereo noise audible off the vehicle during set nighttime and early-morning hours, with rising civil fines.
A person shall not make, assist in making, permit another to make or to continue to make any loud or unreasonable noise, music, percussion, or other sounds which is audible outside of the boundaries of the premises thereof or vehicle thereof by means of any amplified musical instrument, drum...or any similar device which amplifies or produces sound during any of the following periods of time:(1)During the period of 10:00 p.m. at night and until 7:00 a.m. of the following morning...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Nuisance Noise Ordinance, no one may play an amplified radio, tape deck, CD player or similar device in a vehicle loud enough to be heard outside the vehicle between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, or between 12:01 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday or Saturday nights. A violation is defined as sound clearly discernible 100 feet from the vehicle or exceeding 60 decibels measured just outside it. This chapter applies countywide but a charter city or township may opt out and enforce its own rule instead.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties escalate: $25 first offense if reduced on warning, $100 second offense in a month, $200 third offense in a year; a fourth offense in a year is a misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine or 90 days jail). Repeat offenders can have sound equipment or the vehicle impounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Wayne County impound my car stereo for noise?
Does this rule apply inside cities like Dearborn or Livonia?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wayne County
Compare Wayne County to another location·View the Michigan noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.