Race Circuit Noise Limits

What are track day noise limits?

All UK race circuits have noise restrictions in place, due to their local council’s environmental noise policy and it is important to the future of motorsport that circuit users are compliant. Failure to manage noise levels can lead to complaints from local residents, fines and even the threat of closure.

In most cases if your vehicle has the manufacturer’s standard exhaust with no modifications you will be fine anywhere.

Why are there noise limits at a race track?

It might seem strange that race tracks have noise limits, race circuits by their very nature are going to be noisy – just like motorways. Most race circuits have been running since the 40’s and 50’s, often sited on former airfields. Unfortunately people move to within a couple of miles of a race circuit and then start to complain about the noise, so regulations have become much tighter in more recent years and if your vehicle fails the noise test you won’t get on track or a refund.

Noise limits are set by the circuit based on negotiations with the local council. Some circuits will have more strict limits than others and many are limited to the number of events they can run each year as a direct result of noise restrictions.

Noise testing at a race circuit typically follows the guide lines set by the MSA (Motor Sport Association) and ACU (Auto Cycle Union) as follows:

How does the noise test at a race circuit work?

Most circuits will carry out a static noise test after driver / rider registration and your vehicle will be issued with a sticker to show that you are permitted on circuit.

During a static noise test, a decibel reading device is held at a 45 degree angle half a meter away from the exhaust exit while the throttle is held at a set rev range. For cars the engine is held at ¾ of maximum revs, for bikes it depends on the cc and number of cylinders.

Most UK Circuits operate at a maximum decimal limit of 105db which is a standard club race limit, but there are several circuits with greater restrictions and some events vary too.

A drive-by noise limit is usually a secondary test carried out while the track is live. It is often either on the start/finish straight or at the point of a circuit nearest to a residential area. The drive-by limit is measured around 10-20 metres away from the track and will be less than the static limit, so drivers and riders will need to be cautious at these points if they know their vehicle is on the loud side.

Many circuits have built banks or walls to absorb or deflect the sound around the track in order to help the venue adhere to noise restrictions.

Is there a way I can test my own vehicle?

There are several phone apps available that will provide a reasonably accurate decibel reading up to 100db, other than that, your local garage might be able to noise test for you. If you are local to a track, you could visit a track day to get it done even if you are not booked on (check with the circuit or event operator first).

What can I do if my vehicle is too loud?

If you have a modified or sports exhaust that is on the louder side, you might need to fit a temporary silencer or baffle. Some cars might have settings you can adjust to change noise output.

Are Piper Exhausts safe for track noise limits?

Many of our performance exhaust systems are designed for track use, some have been developed with specific race series in mind too, so the majority are, or can be easily made to be, suitable for use on track. But, before you spend your hard earned money, please contact us to check!

UK Race Circuit Noise Limits*

*Correct at time of writing, please check with event organisers before booking.