Motor vehicle: Includes an automobile, a motorcycle, a motor-assisted bicycle, and any other vehicle propelled or driven otherwise by muscular power. This does not include a streetcar or other motor vehicle running only upon rails, a power-assisted bicycle, a motorized snow vehicle, a traction engine, a farm tractor, a self-propelled implement of husbandry, or a road-building machine.
Clearly audible noise from vehicle repairs, rebuilding, modifying, or testing:
- Is not permitted from 9 p.m. overnight to 7 a.m. the next day, except until 9 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays.
Unnecessary Noise:
- No person shall emit, cause or permit sound resulting from unnecessary noise from a stationary motor vehicle that has persistent noises such as sounding of a horn, engine revving and tire squealing that is clearly audible at the point of reception.
Stationary Motor Vehicle Noise:
- No person shall emit or cause or permit the emission of sound from a stationary motor vehicle exceeding the following when measured at least 50 cm from the exhaust outlet using a sound level meter:
- (a) 92 dB(A) at idle; or
- (b) 96 dB(A) at any engine speed greater than idle.
If you have a concern, consider speaking with those responsible for making the noise to give them an opportunity to correct the issue. If this approach does not work, you can submit a request online at www.toronto.ca/311 , or call 311.
Reporting Moving Motor Vehicle Noise
Moving motor vehicle noise refers to any loud, persistent, or excessive noise generated by motor vehicles while in motion, such as the sound of:
- speeding vehicle
- loud music
- loud exhaust
- high squealing tires
- revving engines
- squealing tires
- honking horns
A complaint can be filed if you are experiencing persistent and excessive moving motor vehicle noise as outlined above, however, it is important to note that data obtained from moving motor vehicle noise complaints will be used solely to guide enforcement initiatives and complaints will not be investigated on a case-by-case basis.
Bylaw Enforcement Officers do not have the authority to stop moving vehicles. This authority originates under the Highway Traffic Act and is designated to the Toronto Police Service (TPS).
If possible, prior to submitting a complaint, consider speaking with those responsible for making the noise to give them an opportunity to correct the issue. If this approach does not work, you can submit online at www.toronto.ca/311, or contact call. It is important to provide specific details about the noise, including its time and location, as well as its type. We will analyze the information to identify patterns and trends that can help us plan more effective enforcement strategies in collaboration with Toronto Police.
Further information is available on the City of Toronto Noise webpage.
Using Mediation in Noise Complaints
The City has partnered with TNG Community Services, an organization that provides free voluntary community mediation services to Toronto residents, as an alternative means to resolving a dispute with the help of neutral mediators. Further information can be found by visiting the TNG Community Services
website .
