Kitsap County, WA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- KCC § 10.28.145(1), horn/siren public disturbance noise
- Exception
- Genuine danger warnings or legally required signals
- Enforcement
- Sheriff's office; no complaint required for vehicle noise
- No meter needed
- § 10.28.146(a) waives sound-meter evidence requirement
- Coverage
- Unincorporated Kitsap County only
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor: up to 90 days jail or $250 fine
Summary
Kitsap County Code § 10.28.145(1) makes a frequent, repetitive or continuous horn or siren sound from a motor vehicle, like an unattended car alarm, a public disturbance noise unless it is warning of danger or otherwise permitted by law. Unlike party or business noise, the sheriff's office can enforce this vehicle-noise rule without waiting for a citizen complaint.
The following sounds are public disturbance noises: (1) Frequent, repetitive or continuous sound 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 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4864424; v0 updated 2025-12-08; through 12-08-2025).
Full Breakdown
145, Public disturbance noises, treats vehicle horns and sirens as its first defined category. Subsection (1) makes it unlawful for any person to cause, or to allow to originate from property in their possession, a frequent, repetitive or continuous sound of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except when the sound is a genuine warning of danger or is specifically permitted or required by law. 146(b). The rule reaches only vehicles and their alarms; it does not separately license or regulate the installation of aftermarket car alarm equipment. It applies only in unincorporated Kitsap County; Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island run their own vehicle-noise codes inside city limits.
Violations & Fines
A § 10.28.145(1) car alarm or horn violation is a misdemeanor under § 10.28.150, punishable by up to ninety days in jail, a fine of up to $250, or both, with each day of continued sounding a separate offense, or it may be pursued as a Class I civil infraction under Chapter 2.116 at the prosecuting attorney's discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kitsap County deputies cite a car alarm without a neighbor complaining first?
Is every car horn sound illegal in unincorporated Kitsap County?
Do I need to prove decibels to report a Kitsap County car alarm?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kitsap County
Compare Kitsap County to another location·View the Washington noise from specific sources overview
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