Kokomo, IN Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Kokomo Code of Ordinances § 132.03(B)(1) declares it a prohibited noise to sound any horn or signaling device on a motor vehicle except as a genuine danger warning, to create an unreasonably loud or raucous sound with such a device, or to sound it for an unreasonable period of time; the same division also bars using a signaling device other than one operated by hand, electricity, or automatically when the vehicle is in reverse, and bars sounding a horn, whistle or exhaust-driven device simply because traffic is held up.

Section 132.04(C) then carves out the opposite case: burglar alarms and other warning devices, including car alarms, are exempt from the entire noise chapter when properly installed, provided the cause of the alarm sound is investigated and the device is turned off within a reasonable period of time. Read together, a car alarm that keeps sounding after it has plainly been checked and not silenced within a reasonable window falls outside the (C) exemption and back into the general nuisance-noise prohibition in § 132.03(A), which bars any loud, unreasonable noise disturbing the peace of others.

The Kokomo Police Department enforces both provisions, and § 132.05 requires a complainant to give their name and address to police and be available as a court witness if a resulting citation is disputed.