Imperial County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max sounding time
- 20 minutes
- Applies to
- buildings and vehicles
- Enforcement
- sheriff's deputy may disconnect
- Also required
- posted contact phone number
Summary
Imperial County requires audible burglar alarms on buildings and vehicles to shut off automatically within 20 minutes of activation, and lets deputies disconnect one that won't stop.
Audible burglar alarms for structures or motor vehicles shall be capable of being terminated within twenty (20) minutes of being activated.B.Notwithstanding the requirements of this provision, any member of the sheriff department of Imperial County shall have the right to take such steps as may be reasonable and necessary to disconnect any such alarm installed in any building, dwelling, or motor vehicle at any time during the period of its activation. On or after thirty (30) days from the effective date of this chapter, any building, dwelling or motor vehicle upon which a burglar alarm has been installed shall prominently display the telephone number at which communication may be made with the owner of such building, dwelling, or motor vehicle. (Prior code § 90703.01)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 90703.01 requires audible burglar alarms installed on structures or motor vehicles to be capable of terminating within twenty (20) minutes of activation. Any Imperial County sheriff's deputy may take reasonable steps to disconnect an alarm that keeps sounding. Owners must also prominently display a phone number where they can be reached, so an alarm's noise nuisance can be resolved without extended disruption to neighbors.
Violations & Fines
An alarm that cannot auto-terminate within 20 minutes, or lacks a posted contact number, violates § 90703.01 and can be disconnected on-site by a sheriff's deputy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can shut off a vehicle alarm that won't stop?
Do I need to post my phone number on my car alarm?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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