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Anchorage, AK Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Auto shut-off limit
10 minutes
Governing chapter
AMC Ch. 15.70 Noise Control
Enforcer
Anchorage Health Department
Applies to
exterior and motor vehicle burglar alarms

Summary

Anchorage law requires any motor vehicle burglar alarm to shut itself off automatically within ten minutes of going off.

No person shall sound or permit the sound of any exterior burglar alarm or any motor vehicle burglar alarm unless such alarm is automatically terminated within ten minutes of activation.

6. Explosives, firearms and similar devices. No person shall use or fire explosives, firearms or similar devices that create impulsive sound so as to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary or on a public right-of-way except as otherwise permitted by the terms of a permit issued to the owner or operator of a shooting range or user of explosives or similar devices pursuant to section 15.70.070A. Such permit need not be obtained for licensed game-hunting activities on property where such activities are authorized by federal or state laws or for military personnel and components engaged in authorized military training exercises on federal property.

7. Loading and unloading. No person shall load, unload, open, close or otherwise handle boxes, crates, containers, building materials, refuse containers including garbage cans or similar objects between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone.

8.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5010260; v11 updated 2026-09-01).

Full Breakdown

Under the municipality's noise control chapter, sounding or letting sound any exterior burglar alarm or motor vehicle burglar alarm is a violation unless the alarm automatically terminates within ten minutes of activation. The rule sits in the same 'emergency signaling devices' provision that also caps stationary alarm testing at 60 seconds and restricts testing hours to between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Anchorage Health Department enforces the noise chapter and can issue a notice of violation or compliance order.

Violations & Fines

Violation of Ch. 15.70; alarm owner can be cited if the car alarm doesn't auto-terminate within 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a car alarm legally sound in Anchorage?
No more than ten minutes: the alarm must automatically terminate by then under AMC 15.70.060.
Who enforces Anchorage's car alarm rule?
The Anchorage Health Department administers and enforces the noise control chapter, working with the police department.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Anchorage

All Anchorage rules

Compare Anchorage to another location·View the Alaska noise from specific sources overview

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