Federal Way, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- FWRC 7.10.020(1)
- Prohibited conduct
- Frequent/repetitive/continuous horn or siren
- Exception
- Genuine danger warning or legal requirement
- First-offense fine
- $100.00 civil infraction
- Enforcement
- Code enforcement officers and police
Summary
FWRC 7.10.020(1) bans the frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounding of any motor vehicle horn or siren as a public disturbance noise, except as a genuine warning of danger or when specifically required by law. It is enforced citywide as a civil infraction.
It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from that property, sound that is a public disturbance noise. ... The following sounds are public disturbance noises in violation of this section: (1) 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.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020, Public disturbance noise, makes it unlawful for any person to cause, or for a person in possession of property to allow to originate from that property, sound that is a public disturbance noise. Subsection (1) specifically identifies the frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle as a public disturbance noise in violation of the section, unless the sound is a genuine warning of danger or is specifically permitted or required by law, which covers a car alarm that will not stop cycling as much as a horn used for harassment.
, does not apply to vehicle horn and alarm sounds because it is limited to regularly scheduled park events. 060 to act, and police able to pursue enforcement criminally as well. 00 for a third or subsequent violation, not including fees, costs, and assessments.
Violations & Fines
A vehicle horn or siren sounded frequently, repetitively, or continuously, other than as a genuine danger warning or as legally required, is a civil infraction under FWRC 1.15.110: $100.00 for a first violation, $200.00 for a second violation of the same nature, and $300.00 for a third or subsequent violation, plus fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a car alarm that keeps going off illegal in Federal Way?
Can I honk my horn to warn of danger without violating the ordinance?
What is the fine for a car horn or alarm noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
Compare Federal Way to another location·View the Washington noise from specific sources overview
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Car Alarm Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle car alarm limits.