Austin City Council approves ordinance limiting excessive vehicle engine noise

March 6, 2026

The Austin City Council approved a change to the city code on Feb. 26 that targets loud vehicle engine noise. Under the new provision, engine noise measured above 85 decibels may be subject to enforcement within city limits.

Police officers with the Austin Police Department will handle enforcement, using their judgment to weigh factors like how close the noise is to homes, the time of day, and whether an officer has already warned the driver. A violation will be treated as a Class C misdemeanor, carrying a potential fine of up to $500.

Councilmember Zohaib Qadri, who represents District 9 and areas including West Campus and the University, said the ordinance is meant to add another enforcement option to address repeated quality-of-life complaints and to reduce disruptive engine noise in affected neighborhoods. He noted that Austin’s growth has brought more people closer to busy corridors, increasing conflicts over late-night vehicle noise.

The ordinance responds to years of complaints from residents living near Ranch to Market Road 2222 and in West Campus, who have reported engine revving at various hours, including late at night and early morning. Neighbors described the disturbances as ongoing and disruptive to sleep and daily life.

Students and residents told council members they have been affected by the noise. A journalism student said loud engine revving often wakes her during the night and harms her ability to function the next day. At the meeting, resident Lisa Capps described loud engine noise as more than a nuisance, calling it a safety concern for many in the city.

Councilmember Mike Siegel raised questions about the ordinance’s subjective elements, arguing that what constitutes offensive engine noise can vary. He offered an amendment to require proof of knowledge or intent for a violation, a change council members debated as they considered the role of officer discretion.

Despite passage of the ordinance, some residents and students expressed uncertainty about enforcement. One student said he did not know what 85 decibels sounds like and worried police would face challenges measuring and enforcing the new standard as complaints continue to rise.