West Valley City, UT Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 24-22-113 of the West Valley City Municipal Code sets the baseline standard for motor vehicle noise on city streets. Subsection (1) bars driving or moving any motor vehicle or combination of vehicles in a manner that exceeds the noise limits set for its vehicle category, measured at a distance of at least 25 feet (7.5 meters) from the near side of the nearest traffic lane and a height of at least four feet (1.2 meters) above the road surface. Measurements are taken on a per occurrence basis, and the code states that any single occurrence over the limit is its own separate violation, so a single loud pass-by can generate more than one citation.

Subsection (3) targets the exhaust system directly: it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle unless the exhaust system is free from defects that affect sound reduction, is equipped with a muffler or other noise dissipative device, and carries no cut-out, by-pass or similar device that would let exhaust bypass the muffler, the classic 'straight pipe' modification. Subsection (2) makes clear this drive-by standard works alongside, not instead of, the rest of the chapter's muffler enforcement tools.

The same chapter separately outlaws engine and dynamic braking devices, commonly called Jake brakes: Section 24-22-108(14) makes it a violation to operate 'any motor vehicle with a dynamic or engine braking device engaged, except for the avoidance of imminent danger.' Recreational vehicles and snowmobiles get their own numeric ceiling under Section 24-22-108(21): any such vehicle built after model year 1977 may not be sold or operated in the City unless it produces no more than 82 dB(A) measured 50 feet from the source.