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North Dakota Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and a cutout or bypass (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited while excessive or unusual noise is barred.

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and a cutout or bypass (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited while excessive or unusual noise is barred. North Dakota sets no fixed decibel limit (N.D. Cent. Code § 39-21-37).

Official source: ndlegis.gov →

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

Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering North Dakota

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

MinnesotaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order so it doesn't make excessive or unusual noise, and muffler cutouts, bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler), and similar devices are banned. Minnesota sets no decibel limit in statute (Minn. Stat. § 169.69).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
MontanaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive noise and smoke, and muffler cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited. Montana sets no fixed decibel limit (Mont. Code Ann. § 61-9-403).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: mca.legmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
South DakotaInfo
Your vehicle needs an exhaust system and muffler in good working order, the exhaust has to discharge to the rear or the side, and muffler cut-outs (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited. South Dakota sets no fixed decibel limit (SDCL § 32-15-17).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →

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