Exhaust Noise in West Virginia
West Virginia sets no statewide decibel limit for passenger cars. A muffler in good working order is required, exhaust may not produce excessive or unusual noise, and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited.
Verified against primary sources · August 2026
What the law says
West Virginia law is qualitative rather than numeric: A muffler in good working order is required, exhaust may not produce excessive or unusual noise, and cutouts or bypasses are prohibited.
Specific Limits
- Statewide decibel limit
- none
Exceptions & Exemptions
Exhaust systems must not produce excessive or unusual noise. Mufflers are required and must be maintained in good working order. Straight pipes or gutted mufflers are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are exhaust noise legal in West Virginia?
What are the exact exhaust noise limits in West Virginia?
Are there exceptions for exhaust noise in West Virginia?
Street-legal exhaust noise picks
Gear that helps you mod without a ticket in West Virginia.
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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