No, New Mexico prohibits exhaust systems producing excessive noise under state noise statutes and municipal ordinances, with enforcement by the Environment Department and local law enforcement. Violations may incur fines or vehicle impoundment, particularly in Albuquerque and Santa Fe where decibel limits are strictly enforced.
Key Regulations for Loud Exhausts in New Mexico
- State Statute 64-29-1 et seq. caps exhaust noise at 92 decibels (dB) for vehicles under 10,000 lbs, measured at 50 feet, aligning with federal EPA standards but subject to local enforcement.
- Albuquerque’s Municipal Code § 9-2-3-4 mandates compliance with 88 dB limits during daytime hours, with nighttime enforcement tightening to 82 dB to mitigate urban noise pollution.
- Santa Fe’s Noise Ordinance (2024) imposes additional decibel restrictions (85 dB max) and empowers officers to issue citations for modified exhaust systems deemed “excessively loud,” effective January 2025.
Local jurisdictions may impose stricter thresholds; vehicles with aftermarket exhausts must demonstrate compliance via manufacturer certification or undergo field testing. The New Mexico Environment Department’s 2026 compliance guidelines emphasize decibel monitoring during routine traffic stops, particularly in high-density corridors like I-25 and I-40. Non-compliant vehicles face progressive penalties, including mandatory muffler replacement or civil penalties up to $500.