How loud is motocross?
At motocross and monster truck events, NIOSH researchers recorded peak slow-response levels of 120 dBA in the crowd and 125 dBA for employees. These are among the loudest levels measured at spectator events.
- Level
- 120–125 dBA maxA-weighted maximum sound level
- Daily limit
- 3 s a dayNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 1.0 million× energyabout 64.0× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. Peak slow-response levels at a motocross and monster truck show, as reported in a NIOSH-authored review of a NIOSH survey (Morley et al.).
A NIOSH survey of a monster truck and motocross show, summarised in a later hearing loss prevention paper, recorded peak slow-rate sound levels of 120 dBA in the crowd and 125 dBA at employee positions. Those figures are the loudest readings rather than averages, so the level across a whole show is lower, but the peaks are high enough that hearing protection is recommended for the audience.
The same paper measured a tractor pull, where the front viewing area averaged 108.6 dBA during pulls.
How long is safe?
NIOSH recommends no more than 3 s a day at 125 dBA (9 s at 120). OSHA's legal limit is 3 min 45 s. This is a maximum, so a time limit based on it is a worst case.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120 dBA | 9 s | 7 min 30 s | 3 s | 9 s |
| 125 dBA | 3 s | 3 min 45 s | under 1 s | 3 s |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Children
Monster truck shows are popular with young children; bring well-fitting earmuffs, as crowd peaks reached 120 dBA.
Protecting your hearing
Wear earplugs or earmuffs for the whole show, and choose seats further from the track.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Police siren (115–120 dBA): this has about 3.2× its sound energy and sounds about 1.4× as loud.
- Earbuds at full volume (115.5–120 dBA): this has about 3× its sound energy and sounds about 1.4× as loud.
- Basketball arena (record) (129.2–130.4 dBA max): it has about 5.4× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.7× as loud.
- Jackhammer (130 dBA): it has about 5.6× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.7× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 1.0 million× its energy and sounds about 64.0× as loud.
Questions
How loud is a monster truck show?
NIOSH researchers recorded peak slow-rate levels of 120 dBA in the crowd and 125 dBA for employees.
Do I need ear protection at motocross?
Yes. With crowd peaks of 120 dBA, earplugs or earmuffs are recommended.
Sources
- A Hearing Loss Prevention Outreach Program for Farmers and Motorsports Enthusiasts, Seminars in Hearing (2017). Supports: dB_low 120 dBA crowd, dB_high 125 dBA employees.
At motocross and monster truck events, the peak slow-rate sound levels were 120 decibels, A-weighted sound level (dBA) in the crowd and 125 dBA for employees.
Checked 2026-11-03. - A Hearing Loss Prevention Outreach Program for Farmers and Motorsports Enthusiasts, Seminars in Hearing (2017). Supports: tractor pull comparison.
During pulls, the average sound level in the front viewing area was 108.6 dBA, and the peak sound level was 125 dBA.
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.