Mufflers and Noise Level Limits

Excessive noise can prevent a vessel operator from hearing signals and voices.

• Every vessel with an engine operated on Utah waters must be equipped with a muffler system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise.
• No person may operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel that exceeds the following noise levels:
  • For engines manufactured before January 1, 1993, a stationary noise level of 90 dB(A), measured from a distance of 1 meter to the rear of the vessel with the engine idling (SAE J-2005)
  • For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1993, a stationary noise level of 88 dB(A), measured from a distance of 1 meter to the rear of the vessel with the engine idling (SAE J-2005)
  • For all vessels, an operational noise level of 75 dB(A), measured at the shoreline (SAE J-1970)
• You may not remove or modify a muffler or muffling system if the result is increased noise level.
• The use of a muffler cut-out or a muffler bypass system is prohibited if the engine noise levels do not meet the requirements listed above.