Exhaust Noise in Maryland
Maryland sets numeric limits for vehicles up to 10,000 lb: 78 dB(A) in zones posted 45 mph or less and 82 dB(A) above that, measured at 50 feet, plus a stationary limit of 100 dB(A) at 3 feet for vehicles built after January 1, 1988.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
The statute empowers the Administrator to set the limits and makes exceeding them unlawful; the actual numbers live in COMAR 11.14.07.04, which is why statute-only searches miss them.
Specific Limits
- Stationary
- 100 dB(A) at 3 feet from the exhaust for vehicles built after January 1, 1988
- Measured at
- 50 feet
- dB limit cars
- 78 dB(A) in zones of 45 mph or less; 82 dB(A) above 45 mph
Frequently Asked Questions
Are exhaust noise legal in Maryland?
What are the exact exhaust noise limits in Maryland?
Street-legal exhaust noise picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in Maryland.
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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