Wheat Ridge council adopts muffler ordinance to curb excessive vehicle noise

Wheat Ridge — The City Council voted unanimously Feb. 9 to adopt Council Bill 02‑026, an amendment to Chapter 13 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws that defines ‘compliant’ and ‘altered’ mufflers and makes operating a vehicle without a compliant muffler a municipal offense.

City Attorney Dahl, during a staff presentation, said the ordinance defines a compliant muffler as the original factory‑installed unit or a replacement that matches the original specifications, and makes it a violation to operate, modify or sell a noncompliant muffler. The ordinance also includes language — requested by the police department — allowing an officer to rely on professional judgment and training to determine whether a vehicle is operating at a volume greater than normal traffic and to stop a vehicle for further inspection.

Councilor Dan Larson, who moved the ordinance on second reading, said the measure is about protecting residents’ quality of life. “Excessive noise disturbs the peace and degrades our quality of life,” Larson said. He and other supporters pointed to health impacts such as sleep disruption and elevated blood pressure.

Councilor Patrick Quinn and others pressed for clarity on how the law would treat classic cars, motorcycles and diesel trucks using engine‑braking devices (commonly called ‘Jake brakes’). Dahl replied that the code ties compliance to the muffler’s components and specifications rather than a decibel threshold, and that officers and the municipal court would resolve disputed cases. He noted common defenses in court could include proof that a replacement muffler matches original specifications.

The ordinance sets municipal fines for repeat offenses: $200 for a first violation, $300 for a second, and $600 for a third or subsequent violation within six months; defendants must attend an initial municipal court appearance (which may be by video). Council discussion acknowledged unintended consequences — for example, a driver whose muffler falls off after a crash — and emphasized officer discretion and court processes (including continuances and repair orders) as remedies.

The ordinance was adopted by an 8–0 vote and takes effect immediately upon the mayor’s signature.

What’s next: Councilors said staff and the police department will monitor enforcement and return to council if adjustments are needed after an initial period of implementation.