Chapter 7.06
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Sections:

7.06.010    Motor vehicle muffler and exhaust system.

7.06.020    Use of improperly muffled engine brakes prohibited.

7.06.100    Repealed.

7.06.010 Motor vehicle muffler and exhaust system.

a. For the purpose of this section and if not otherwise modified in this section, the term “motor vehicle” means any motorized vehicle which is self-propelled, including but not limited to a minibike, go-cart, motorcycle, snowmachine, all-terrain vehicle, automobile, truck, bus or heavy equipment. Vehicles operated on rails are exempt from this section.

b. Every operational motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler and tight exhaust system in good working order.

c. No person may use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle nor may any person modify or change the exhaust muffler, intake muffler or any other noise abatement device of a motor vehicle in a manner such that the noise emitted by the motor vehicle is in excess of 85 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.

d. No person shall remove or render inoperative or cause or allow to be removed or rendered inoperative other than for purposes of maintenance, repair or replacement any muffler or sound-dissipative device on a motor vehicle.

e. No person may operate either a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles at any time or under any condition of grade, load, acceleration or deceleration in such a manner as to exceed the following noise limit standards:

1. Except as provided in subsection (e)(2) of this section, no person may operate a motor vehicle with a noise level in excess of 85 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.

2. No person may operate a motor vehicle in a residential area after 8:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. with a noise level in excess of 75 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.

3. No new motor vehicle, except one designated for competition purposes only, may be sold or offered for sale unless engine noise produced by the vehicle is limited to not more than 85 dBA at a distance of 50 feet.

4. This subsection (e) applies to the total noise from a vehicle or combination of vehicles and may not be construed as limiting or precluding the enforcement of any other provision of this code or other law relating to a motor vehicle muffler and exhaust system or noise control.

5. For purposes of this subsection, distance shall be measured from any point on the vehicle.

f. The Police Chief shall adopt procedures for the accurate measurement of motor vehicle noise, for motor vehicle inspections to satisfy proof of correction and to otherwise implement this section. [Ord. 03-50 § 2, 2003].

7.06.020 Use of improperly muffled engine brakes prohibited.

a. The use of muffled engine brakes is prohibited within the City except when traveling downhill on the Sterling Highway from Milepost 169 to 173, Main Street, East Hill Road and West Hill Road.

b. Muffled engine brakes may only be used under this section if the vehicle is equipped with a muffler or other effective noise-suppressing system in good working order and in constant operation, with no cutout, bypass, or similar device.

c. The Police Chief shall adopt procedures for the provision of commercial vehicle inspections for repeat violators. For the purpose of this section, the term “engine brake” means a hydraulic engine attachment which converts a diesel engine into an air compressor and when engaged operates to slow the vehicle. [Ord. 19-43(S)(A) § 1, 2019; Ord. 15-32 § 2, 2015; Ord. 03-50 § 2, 2003].

7.06.100 Penalty and fine schedule.

Repealed by Ord. 13-40. [Ord. 13-17(S) § 12, 2013; Ord. 03-50 § 2, 2003].