Livonia, MI Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Car alarm auto-shutoff
- 60 minutes from activation
- Stationary alarm testing hours
- 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. only
- Testing frequency rule
- Same time of day each test
- Enforcing office
- City noise control director
- Maximum penalty
- $500 misdemeanor fine per day
Summary
Livonia requires any motor vehicle burglar alarm to automatically shut off within 60 minutes of activation. Sounding an exterior burglar or fire alarm outdoors is otherwise a prohibited noise act unless it is for a genuine emergency or scheduled testing.
7.Emergency Signaling Devices.a.The intentional sounding or permitting the sounding outdoors of any fire, burglar, or civil defense alarm, siren, whistle or similar stationary emergency signaling device, except for emergency purposes or for testing, as provided in subsection B7b of this section,b.Testing of a stationary emergency signaling device shall occur at the same time of day each time such a test is performed, but not before seven a.m. or after nine p.m.,c.Sounding or permitting the sounding of any exterior burglar or fire alarm or any motor vehicle burglar alarm unless such alarm is automatically terminated within sixty (60) minutes of activation;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 | Zoning: Supplement 3).
Full Breakdown
070(B)(7) groups vehicle alarms with other emergency signaling devices under the noise control ordinance's list of prohibited acts. Subsection (a) bars intentionally sounding or permitting the sounding outdoors of any fire, burglar or civil defense alarm, siren or similar stationary emergency signaling device, except for actual emergency purposes or for testing under subsection (b). " That gives every vehicle owner a hard backstop: an alarm that keeps blaring past the 60-minute mark is a violation regardless of intent, whether it was triggered by an attempted break-in, a storm, or a malfunction. m. 32 act, not a separate false-alarm registration system.
Violations & Fines
An alarm still sounding past 60 minutes can draw a director's violation notice under Section 8.32.050; the owner has 15 days to respond, and an unresolved, substantiated violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 under Section 8.32.050(H), with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for a car alarm to keep going off in Livonia?
Can a business test its burglar alarm at night in Livonia?
Who enforces the car alarm shutoff rule?
Does the 60-minute rule apply to home burglar alarms too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livonia
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