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.
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.
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.
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