Everett, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- Frequent or continuous horn, siren or alarm noise
- Distance test
- Plainly audible 50 ft or across property line
- Exception
- Genuine danger warning or legally required
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, escalating to gross misdemeanor
- Citation
- EMC § 20.08.090(B)(1)
Summary
Everett prohibits the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any vehicle horn, siren or alarm that's plainly audible across a property line or 50 feet from the source, unless it's genuinely warning of danger or legally required.
The following sounds, unless specifically exempted from this chapter, are prohibited if the sound is plainly audible across a real property line or fifty feet from the source, whichever is less: 1. The frequent, repetitive and/or continuous sounding of any horn, siren or alarm attached to a motor vehicle, except when used as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4194-26, passed July 29, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 20.08.090(B)(1) lists the frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of a motor vehicle horn, siren or alarm as a public nuisance noise whenever it's plainly audible across a real property line or 50 feet from the source, whichever is less: no decibel meter reading is needed to cite it. The carve-out covers alarms actually warning of danger or required by law, so an alarm that keeps triggering without cause isn't protected. Violation is a misdemeanor enforced by Everett police, and anyone racking up three or more noise misdemeanors within 365 days faces a gross misdemeanor on the next offense.
Violations & Fines
A continuously sounding car alarm plainly audible 50 feet away is a misdemeanor nuisance-noise violation; repeat offenders within 365 days face a gross misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car alarm going off illegal in Everett?
Who enforces Everett's car alarm rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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