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District of Columbia Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: You can't modify your exhaust in a way that pushes noise above the legal limits — D.C. sets decibel caps for vehicles in use in a table, for example 88 decibels measured at 50 feet (20 DCMR §§ 2811-2812).

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Official source: dcrules.elaws.us →

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Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering District of Columbia

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

MarylandInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and muffler cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited, as are tailpipe extensions that amplify noise. Maryland sets no fixed decibel limit (Md. Transp. § 22-402).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
VirginiaInfo
Your vehicle needs an exhaust system in good working order so it doesn't make excessive or unusual noise, and chambered pipes count as a violation. Virginia sets no fixed decibel limit (Va. Code § 46.2-1049).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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