Burien, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Burien has no stand-alone car alarm ordinance. Two parts of the Burien Municipal Code decide the question, and they point in opposite directions.

First, the noise code. BMC 9.105.410(1) makes it unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise. Subsection (2)(a) lists the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law. That clause does not use the words car alarm. The words that apply are horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, and a vehicle alarm that keeps sounding one falls within them. The standard is frequency: frequent, repetitive or continuous. The exception covers a warning of danger or use specifically permitted or required by law.

Second, the alarm chapter. BMC 9.40.050(1) says no person shall operate or use an alarm system that emits an audible sound where such emission does not automatically cease within 10 minutes. But BMC 9.40.020(1) defines "alarm system" to exclude any system, device, or mechanism primarily protecting a motor vehicle or a medical alert alarm. The same chapter carries the false alarm fees, including a $150.00 false alarm response fee under BMC 9.40.040(1). Those rules are written for premises alarms, not for vehicle alarms.

The rest of 9.105.410(2) reaches other vehicle noise in the City of Burien: repetitive sounds from starting, operating, repairing or testing a motor vehicle within a residential district that unreasonably disturb the peace and comfort of property owners, motor vehicle audio audible greater than 50 feet from the vehicle, and tire squeal from rapid acceleration, braking or speed around corners.