Winston-Salem, NC Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audio Limit
- Audible beyond 50 feet
- Exhaust
- Must match stock loudness
- State Law
- N.C.G.S. 20-128
- Jake Brakes
- Restricted on city streets
- Fine
- 50 to 250 dollars
Summary
Car audio audible 50+ feet from a vehicle violates Winston-Salem noise code. Exhausts louder than stock are prohibited under N.C.G.S. 20-128. WSPD enforces on sight.
(a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a highway unless such motor vehicle is equipped with a muffler, or other exhaust system of the type installed at the time of manufacture, in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, annoying smoke and smoke screens. (b) It shall be unlawful to use a "muffler cut-out" on any motor vehicle upon a highway. (c) No motor vehicle registered in this State that was manufactured after model year 1967 shall be operated in this State unless it is equipped with emissions control devices that were installed on the vehicle at the time the vehicle was manufactured and these devices are properly connected. (d) The requirements of subsection (c) of this section shall not apply if the emissions control devices have been removed for the purpose of converting the motor vehicle to operate on natural or liquefied petroleum gas or other modifications have been made in order to reduce air pollution and these modifications are approved by the Department of Environmental Quality.
Full Breakdown
Winston-Salem Code Chapter 38 combined with state law N.C.G.S. 20-128 (motor vehicle equipment - mufflers) prohibits excessive vehicle noise. Car audio systems whose bass or music can be heard 50 feet or more from the vehicle are a civil infraction. Modified exhausts, straight pipes, or removed mufflers that make a vehicle noticeably louder than stock are a state traffic violation. Motorcycle noise is a common complaint on Reynolda Road and Stratford Road corridors. Compression brake (jake brake) use by commercial trucks is restricted on city streets except for emergencies. WSPD officers can issue citations on sight without a decibel meter under the plainly-audible standard.
Violations & Fines
Car audio violation: civil penalty 50 to 250 dollars. Illegal exhaust: N.C.G.S. 20-128 infraction with court costs. Jake brake violation: 100 dollar fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my car stereo be cited?
Are aftermarket exhausts legal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Winston-Salem
Compare Winston-Salem to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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