Anaheim, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Under AMC 6.70 car alarms fall under the category of audible disturbance noise. A compliant alarm must cut off automatically no later than 5 minutes after activation. An alarm that keeps sounding beyond 5 minutes, or reactivates more than three times in one hour without apparent cause, is treated as a public nuisance. Police or Code Enforcement officers may post a notice on the vehicle, attempt to locate the owner, and issue an administrative citation. If the noise persists and the owner cannot be contacted, the vehicle can be towed under AMC 14.32 as an abandoned-nuisance vehicle, with tow and storage fees passed to the owner. Enforcement peaks in multi-family parking areas where alarms disrupt sleep. Residents can report persistent alarms by calling the Anaheim Police non-emergency line rather than 911. California Vehicle Code 22651.5 provides statewide backup authority for towing continuously-sounding alarms after a 20-minute period. Alarm installers should verify that their product self-terminates to the 5-minute standard to avoid unintended citations to customers or tows at private lots.