Exhaust Noise in Connecticut
Connecticut sets real numeric limits for cars under 10,000 lb GVWR, measured at 50 feet: 72 dB(A) on a soft site or 74 on a hard site at 35 mph or less, rising to 79 and 81 above 35 mph for vehicles built after 1979.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
Pre-1979 vehicles get higher allowances (76/78 and 82/84 dB(A)). The numbers live in agency regulation rather than statute, which is why most guides — and our earlier data — missed them entirely.
Specific Limits
- Pre 1979
- 76 / 78 and 82 / 84 dB(A)
- Measured at
- 50 feet
- dB limit cars
- 72 dB(A) soft site / 74 hard site at 35 mph or less; 79 / 81 above 35 mph (post-1979 vehicles)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are exhaust noise legal in Connecticut?
What are the exact exhaust noise limits in Connecticut?
Street-legal exhaust noise picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Connecticut.
Measure your exhaust at the test RPM before a fix-it ticket does.
Shop on AmazonA removable insert that brings a loud exhaust back under your state's limit.
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