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Tennessee’s Muffler Requirements and Litter Laws

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Tennessee’s Muffler and Noise Level Laws

In Tennessee, the engines of all motorized boats must have an effective muffling system.

Additionally:

  • The use of cut-outs is illegal.
  • Manufacturers may not sell boats which do not meet the noise level requirements.
  • The noise level of a motorized boat may not exceed 86 decibels at 50 feet or more.

Tennessee’s Waste Disposal Laws

Discharging untreated sewage into public water is prohibited in Tennessee. It is illegal to operate a boat which is capable of discharging untreated sewage.

Public waters are classified as either “Discharge Zones” or as “No Discharge Zones”.

“Discharge Zones” include: Barkley, Caulderwood, Cheatham, Chickamauga, Cordell Hull, Cumberland River, Ft. Loudon, Kentucky, McKellar, Melton Hill, Mississippi River, Nickajack, Old Hickory, Pickwick, Reelfoot, South Holston, Tellico, Tennessee River, and Watts Bar.

“No Discharge Zones” include: Beech River Lakes, Boone, Center Hill, Cherokee, Chilhowee, Dale Hollow, Douglas, Ft. Patrick Henry, Great Falls, J. Percy Priest, Lake Graham, Nolichucky, Normandy, Norris, Ocoee 1, 2, and 3, Tims Ford, Watauga, Wilbur, and Woods.

Note: Marinas and docks operating on public water must provide a sewage removal service.