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TCA 55-8-193

Excessive noise from motor vehicles

MISDEMEANOR CClass C Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

Excessive noise from motor vehicles — Class C misdemeanor. Up to 30 days in jail and $50 fine. Penalty may be enhanced for prior offenses or aggravating factors.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass C Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail30 days
Maximum Fine$50
Penalty SummaryClass C misdemeanor; 30 days; fine up to $50
(a) No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system including, but not limited to, any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker, or any other electrical device used for the amplification of sound from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet (50′) or more from the vehicle. For the purpose of this section, “plainly audible” means any sound that clearly can be heard, by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of fifty feet (50′) or more; however, words or phrases need not be discernible and the sound shall include bass reverberation. (b) This section shall not be applicable to emergency or public safety vehicles, vehicles owned and operated by a municipal or county government or any utility company, for sound emitted unavoidably during a job-related operation, school or community sponsored activities, auctioneers or auctioning activities, boats or other watercraft operated on waters or any motor vehicle used in an authorized public activity for which a permit has been granted by the appropriate agency of a municipal or county government. (c) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine only of up to fifty dollars ($50.00).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 26, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR C
TCA Section55-8-193
Max Jail30 days
Max Fine$50