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Kentucky Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: Your vehicle needs a suitable, efficient muffler; running with the cutout removed is prohibited, and so is any change that makes the exhaust louder than the factory setup.

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Your vehicle needs a suitable, efficient muffler; running with the cutout removed is prohibited, and so is any change that makes the exhaust louder than the factory setup. Kentucky sets no fixed decibel limit (KRS § 189.140).

Official source: apps.legislature.ky.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering Kentucky

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

IllinoisInfo
Your vehicle needs an adequate muffler and exhaust so it doesn't make excessive or unusual noise, and cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited, as are changes that increase noise. Illinois sets no fixed decibel limit (625 ILCS 5/12-602).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IndianaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are banned — the system can't leak or have altered parts. Indiana sets no fixed decibel limit (Ind. Code §§ 9-19-8-2, 9-19-8-3).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: iga.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
MissouriInfo
Your vehicle needs a properly attached muffler to quiet the exhaust, and muffler cutouts and excessive noise are barred — a violation is an infraction. Missouri sets no fixed decibel limit (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 307.170).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OhioInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and a cutout or bypass (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited, along with devices that produce excessive smoke or gas. Ohio sets no fixed decibel limit (Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.22).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
TennesseeInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, running at all times, cutouts (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited, and the excessive or unusual noise the law bars includes engine noise from a non-motorcycle that's noticeably louder than similar vehicles and over 95 decibels. …
Verified Jul 26, 2026 · Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Full Tennessee 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 →
West VirginiaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler — factory (OEM) or equivalent — in good working order, and a cutout, bypass or similar device (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited. West Virginia sets no fixed decibel limit (W. Va. Code § 17C-15-34).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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