Bergenfield, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Alarm shutoff limit
- 30 minutes after activation
- Governing section
- § 215-8I, bells and alarms
- Vehicle requirement
- Owner phone number must be displayed
- Applies to
- Buildings and motor vehicles
- First offense
- Up to $200 fine or 30 days
- Enforcing agency
- Bergenfield Police Department
Summary
Bergenfield requires every exterior burglar alarm on a building or motor vehicle to shut itself off within 30 minutes of activation, and any vehicle fitted with an alarm must display a phone number for reaching the owner. Section 215-8I is enforced by the Borough Police Department with fines up to $200 per offense.
I. Bells and alarms. The sounding or permitting the sounding of any exterior burglar alarm on any building or motor vehicle unless such burglar alarm shall terminate its operation with 30 minutes of its being activated. Any motor vehicle upon which a burglar alarm has been installed shall prominently display the telephone number for which communication may be made with the owner of such motor vehicle.
Full Breakdown
' The subsection adds a second, distinct requirement for vehicles: 'Any motor vehicle upon which a burglar alarm has been installed shall prominently display the telephone number for which communication may be made with the owner of such motor vehicle,' so a driver or neighbor can reach the owner directly if the alarm is triggered. The 30-minute cutoff applies at all hours, not just at night, distinguishing this provision from the chapter's overnight-only curfews in § 215-8B and C. The chapter's exceptions clause, § 215-9, separately protects 'stationary emergency signaling devices' used by fire, police or first-aid personnel and states such devices are for emergency use only, but that exception does not extend to ordinary residential or vehicle burglar alarms covered by § 215-8I.
Enforcement runs through the Police Department under § 215-4, and under § 215-5 the Department may issue a 24-hour written abatement notice to the alarm owner, or, if the source is a motor vehicle moving on a public right-of-way, proceed directly to a summons and complaint.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of § 215-8I is punishable under § 215-10A by a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, with each 30-minute period the alarm continues beyond the limit potentially charged as a separate offense. A second violation within six months carries a fine of $200 to $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both, under § 215-10B, and a chronically triggered alarm may also be abated as a public nuisance under § 215-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car alarm legally sound in Bergenfield?
Does my car need a sticker with my phone number if it has an alarm?
What happens if my alarm keeps going off past 30 minutes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bergenfield
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