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Annapolis, MD Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Time limit
15 minutes for any audible alarm
Fine
$400.00 per day (§ 11.12.025(B))
Enforcement power
Police may disconnect alarm or tow car
Classification
Municipal infraction

Summary

Annapolis bars any audible security alarm from sounding more than fifteen minutes. An unattended car alarm becomes a public nuisance at that point, and police may disconnect it or have the vehicle towed.

A. It is unlawful to permit an audible security alarm to be activated for a period in excess of fifteen minutes. ... C. In the event that a car security alarm is not deactivated within fifteen minutes, it is be deemed a public nuisance and the City of Annapolis Police Department shall have the authority to either gain access to the vehicle for the purpose of disconnecting the alarm or have the vehicle towed by a licensed towing company in accordance with City policy.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2025 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Annapolis City Code § 11.12.025 makes it unlawful to let an audible security alarm run for more than fifteen minutes. Subsection (C) singles out car alarms: once fifteen minutes passes without deactivation, the vehicle is deemed a public nuisance and the Annapolis Police Department may either gain access to the vehicle to disconnect the alarm itself or have it towed by a licensed towing company under City policy. The person responsible is guilty of a municipal infraction, and the City's fines schedule sets the penalty for a § 11.12.025(B) violation at $400.00 per day.

Violations & Fines

Letting a car alarm sound past fifteen minutes is a municipal infraction carrying a $400.00-per-day fine; the Police Department may also disconnect the alarm or have the vehicle towed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a car alarm sound in Annapolis before it's illegal?
No more than fifteen minutes. After that, Annapolis Police may disconnect the alarm or have the vehicle towed by a licensed towing company under § 11.12.025(C).
What's the penalty if an alarm won't stop?
It's a municipal infraction. The City's fines schedule sets the penalty for a § 11.12.025(B) violation at $400.00 per day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Annapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsHVAC & Mechanical NoiseSome RestrictionsGenerator NoiseSome RestrictionsBar & Nightclub NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Annapolis rules

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