Exhaust noise laws in Ontario

Written by RepairDost Editorial Team
Updated on February 20, 2024

Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, the exhaust noise limit is 95 decibels. But don’t worry too much about knowing how many decibels your car makes – a police officer with a sound meter or kit can tell you if your car is making too much noise.

The fine for excessive exhaust noise is $110 plus 2 demerit points. If you get the ticket over and over, the fines can increase up to $1000 and there may be other penalties like having your vehicle impounded.

Exhaust mufflers and exhaust noise limit

The exhaust noise laws in Ontario are pretty straightforward. To make sure everyone’s aware of the rules, it’s important to have a good understanding of what an exhaust muffler is and what it does.

An exhaust muffler is essentially a metal plate or set of plates that is located under your car’s vehicle body. The other end of the muffler attaches to the engine’s exhaust system, which recirculates gas twice—initially in the engine and then again in the muffler before exiting through your tailpipe. This means that you’re getting two chances to burn off all those nasty gasses from your car, so you don’t need to worry that re-firing them will damage anything.

An exhaust noise limit exists because if all cars sounded like thunder when they were idling or driving down the road, exposure would be a problem for anyone living near heavy traffic areas such as highways, cities and towns. That said, recreational hunting trips are still possible without causing any concern for neighbours (or neighbours’ livestock).

The law lays out what you can and cannot do to modify your car's exhaust system

There is no doubt that cars have become more and more popular in recent years, and an important part of this popularity has been the increase in modifications to cars. The modification process can be almost creative, but it cannot extend to unlawful or illegal modifications. Even the most average-looking car can be turned into a head-turner with the addition of a set of aftermarket parts, so you need to be aware of what is allowed under the law before adding any such modifications.

Disclaimer: The following information is provided for enthusiasts to learn more about Ontario’s exhaust noise laws. Please keep in mind that Ontario laws are subject to change, and it is critical to consult the most recent statutes and regulations in order to ensure accurate information. You should not rely solely on the following information, and RepairDost disclaims any liability for damages resulting from such reliance. Visit Ontario Highway Traffic Act for more information.