Gretna, LA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Nighttime alarm-sounding ban
- 10pm-7am
- Single alarm test limit
- 60 seconds
- Full system test frequency
- once per calendar month
- Full system test duration cap
- 15 minutes
- Enforcing agency
- Gretna Police Department
Summary
Gretna treats a motor vehicle alarm as an 'alarm' under section 24-128 and bars anyone from intentionally sounding one between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except in a genuine emergency. Testing any alarm is capped at 60 seconds, and testing a full emergency signaling system is limited to once a month for no more than 15 minutes.
Alarm means any fire, burglary, motor vehicle or civil defense alarm, whistle or similar stationary emergency signaling device. ... (7)Emergency signaling devices.a.Except in cases of an emergency, the intentional sounding of any alarm between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.b.The testing of any alarm for a period in excess of 60 seconds at any time.c.The testing of a complete emergency signaling system, including the signaling device and the personnel response to the signaling device, more than once in each calendar month and the sounding of such emergency signaling system for a period in excess of 15 minutes.
Full Breakdown
Section 24-128 of the noise article defines 'alarm' to mean any fire, burglary, motor vehicle or civil defense alarm, whistle or similar stationary emergency signaling device, so a car alarm left sounding on a Gretna street falls squarely under section 24-133(7)'s 'Emergency signaling devices' prohibition. m. Testing an individual alarm is prohibited for any period longer than 60 seconds at any time of day. If a business or resident tests a complete emergency signaling system, meaning the signaling device together with the personnel response to it, that test is limited to once each calendar month, and the alarm itself may not sound for more than 15 minutes during that test.
The Gretna Police Department enforces Article V of Chapter 24 under section 24-129, and a car alarm that repeatedly triggers late at night can also be charged as 'excessive noise' under section 24-132 if it exceeds the residential nighttime limit of 55 dB(A).
Violations & Fines
A violation is punishable under the Code's general penalty, section 1-8: a fine up to $500.00, with each day the alarm problem continues counted as a separate offense. The Mayor's Court hears the citation, and a magistrate can order community service in place of or alongside any fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gretna's noise code cover car alarms specifically?
Can I test my car alarm at night in Gretna?
What happens if my car alarm keeps going off and disturbing neighbors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gretna
Compare Gretna to another location·View the Louisiana noise from specific sources overview
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