What are the motorcycle exhaust noise limits in each state?
Noise standards (for motorcycles or cars) vary from state to state. Below is a list of these standards, by state. This list is for informational purposes, and you should note that these laws change from time to time, so it’s always a good idea to verify your state and local laws if you are planning to modify the exhaust on your motorcycle. Also note that city, municipal, and local governments may have their own laws!
All sound measurements are taken at distance of fifty feet from center lane of travel, unless otherwise noted.
Click the following link for more information on enforcement of noise regulations in California.
Alabama
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Alaska
?
Arizona
Max sound levels:
Pre- 1972: 0-35mph, 84dba; 35-45mph, 88dba; 45mph +: 88dba;
1972-1980: 0-35mph, 79dba; 35-45mph, 82dba; 45mph +, 86dba;
After 1980: 0-35mph, 76dba; 35-45mph, 80dba; 45mph + 83dba
Arkansas
No laws specifically providing noise limits
California
Max sound levels:
1)Pre-1970: 92dba;
2) After 1969, and before 1973: 88dba;
3) After 1972, and before 1975: 86dba;
4) After 1974, and before 1986: 83dba;
5) After 1985…80dba
Colorado
Local authorities may adopt following maximum sound levels:
1)Pre- 1973: 88dba at 35mph or less; 90dba at 35 to 55mph;
2) Post 1973: 86dba at 35mph or less; 90dba at 35 to 55 mph
Connecticut
Max sound levels:
Model Year/0-35mph/35mph+
Pre-1975/82dba/86dba;
1975 and later/80dba/84dba
Delaware
Max sound levels, based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel or 20″ from exhaust outlet:
1) 1 – 35mph: 78-80dba;
2) 35mph+ : 82-84dba;
3) Idle from 50 feet: 78-80dba;
4)Idle from 20 feet: 95dba
Florida
Max sound levels:
1) Pre-1979: 82dBA (35mph or less); 86dBA (over 35mph)
2)Post 1979: 78dBA (35mph or less); 82dBA(over 35mph)
Georgia
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Hawaii
?
Idaho
Max sound level measured at 20 feet is 92dBA
Illinois
Max sound levels:
80-82dBA at less than 35mph; 86dBA at more than 35mph
Indiana
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Iowa
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Kansas
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Kentucky
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Louisiana
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Maine
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Maryland
Max sound levels:
1)1975-1978: 82-86dBA
2)after 1979: 78-82dBA
Massachusetts
Max sound levels:
82dBA at 45mph or less; 86dBA over 45mph.
Stationary noise levels: at 1/2 redline speed: 99dBA (for 1986 +); 102dBA (for pre-1986)
Michigan
Max sound levels:
86dBA at speed over 35mph; 82dBA at speed less than 35mph; 95dBA under stationary run-up test at 75 inches.
Minnesota
Max sound levels:
80-90dBA measured at 50 feet.
Mississippi
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Missouri
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Montana
Max sound levels:
1)pre-1970: 92dBA; 2)1969 to 1972: 88dBA;
3)1973 to 1974: 86dBA; 4)1975 to 1977: 80dBA;
5)1978 but prior to 1987: 75dBA; 6) post 1987: 70dBA
Nebraska
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Nevada
Max sound levels:
1) 82dBA for 0- 35mph; 2) 86dBA for 35mph+
New Hampshire
Max sound level:
106dBA measured 20 inches from the exhaust at a 45 degree angle
New Jersey
No laws specifically providing noise limits
New Mexico
No laws specifically providing noise limits
New York
Max sound level:
35 mph or less, 82 dB(A); over 35 mph, 86 dB(A)
North Carolina
No laws specifically providing noise limits
North Dakota
Motorcycles must meet noise requirements as established by EPA
Ohio
Local authorities may adopt max sound levels of:
1) 82dBA at 0-35 mph; 2) 86dBA at 35 mph +.
Oklahoma
No exhaust modification that increases noise.
Oregon
Max noise levels at 20 inches:
1) Pre- 1975: 102dBA; 2) 1975 and later: 99dBA
Pennsylvania
Max sound levels: 84dBA at 0-35 mph; 88dBA at 35mph +
Rhode Island
Max sound levels:
1)86dBA at 0-35 mph; 2)90dBA at 35 mph +
South Carolina
No laws specifically providing noise limits
South Dakota
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Tennessee
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Texas
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Utah
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Vermont
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Virginia
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Washington
Max sound levels:
1) 78dBA at 0-45mph; 2)82dBA at 45mph+
Stationary 20″ standard (pre-1986): 99dBA
West Virginia
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Wisconsin
No laws specifically providing noise limits
Wyoming
No laws specifically providing noise limits
District of Columbia
Max sound levels, based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel:
1)0-35 mph: 82 dBA
As many motorcyclists know, noise laws are selectively enforced, and can be yet another tool used by the police to harass bikers. Don’t give cops an excuse! Make sure your bike complies with the noise laws in your area. If you have any questions about noise laws or anti-motorcycle discrimination, feel free to send us an email or give us a call. And, as always, if you or a loved one have been involved a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident lawyers are here for you: we handle motorcycle accident cases throughout California.