West Bloomfield, MI Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Sec. 22-73 sits in Chapter 22's motorcycle article, adopted after the township board found in Sec. 22-66 that uncontrolled motorcycle operation had become a public nuisance from loud and raucous noise, odors and dust. The muffler rule is specific: every motorcycle must be equipped with an efficient muffler that keeps its noise comparable to a private passenger automobile, and no one may remove, destroy or damage a muffler's baffles or install a cutout, bypass or similar device. The section separately deems racing motorcycle engines, or repeated acceleration and deceleration outside of maintenance, and abrupt or violent acceleration that causes the front wheel to lose contact with the ground, to be excessive, unusual or unnecessary noise in their own right, regardless of muffler condition.

On public streets and highways, motorcycles must also comply with the Uniform Traffic Code and the Michigan Vehicle Code (Sec. 22-68), and the definition of 'motorcycle' and other vehicle terms otherwise track the Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.1 et seq. (Sec. 22-67). Enforcement runs through Sec. 22-77: a violation is declared a nuisance that a township law enforcement officer may abate by impounding the motorcycle, and before an owner can reclaim it from the pound, the owner must prove identity and ownership, sign a receipt, and pay a $10.00 removal fee plus storage costs set by the township board. The section separately declares any violation a misdemeanor.