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Texas Exhaust & Muffler Laws (2026)

Info: Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working condition so it doesn't make excessive or unusual noise, and a cutout, bypass or similar device (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited.

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working condition so it doesn't make excessive or unusual noise, and a cutout, bypass or similar device (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited. Texas sets no fixed decibel limit (Tex. Transp. Code § 547.604).

Official source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov →

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

Exhaust & Muffler in states bordering Texas

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

ArkansasInfo
Your vehicle needs a factory-spec muffler in good order, and cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are banned, along with any device that produces excessive noise or smoke. Arkansas sets no fixed decibel limit (Ark. Code § 27-37-601).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: ardot.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
LouisianaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler in good working order, and cutouts and bypasses (which route exhaust around the muffler) are prohibited, while exhaust changes that increase noise are banned. Louisiana sets no fixed decibel limit (La. R.S. §§ 32:352, 32:353).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
New MexicoInfo
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. New Mexico sets no fixed decibel limit (N.M. Stat. § 66-3-844).
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: nmonesource.com · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaInfo
Your vehicle needs a muffler or other noise-suppressing system, a cutout or bypass (which routes exhaust around the muffler) is prohibited, and so is any exhaust change that's louder than the factory (OEM) setup. Oklahoma sets no fixed decibel limit (47 O.S. § 12-402).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: oscn.net · Full Oklahoma rule →

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