Loveland, CO Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Loveland Municipal Code § 7.32.010.C.1
- Danger-signal exception
- Genuine warning honks are not covered
- Measurement required
- No, officer's prima facie call suffices
- Enforcing agency
- Loveland Police Department peace officers
- General penalty
- Fine or up to 364 days jail
Summary
Loveland's noise code makes the continuous or repeated sounding of a vehicle horn or alarm signal device, other than as a genuine danger warning, unlawful unreasonable noise. Peace officers may make an on-the-spot, prima facie call that the sounding was unreasonable under Loveland Municipal Code § 7.32.010, without needing a decibel measurement.
It is unlawful to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any unreasonable noise; and no person shall knowingly permit such noise upon any premises or in or upon any vehicle owned or possessed by such person or under such person's control or operation. For purposes of this Section 7.32.010.C, peace officers are empowered to make a prima facie determination as to whether a noise is unreasonable. With regard to the operation of motor vehicles, and without limiting the generality of the Section, unreasonable noise shall include, but not be limited to: 1.The continuous or repeated sounding of any horn or signal device of a motor vehicle, except as a danger signal. For the purposes of this Subsection, continuous shall mean continuing for an unnecessary or unreasonable period of time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13).
Full Breakdown
C of the Loveland Municipal Code makes it unlawful to make, continue, or knowingly permit any unreasonable noise on any premises or in or upon any vehicle a person owns, possesses, or controls, within Loveland, Larimer County, Colorado. The section specifically calls out motor vehicle noise: the continuous or repeated sounding of a horn or signal device, the kind of alarm most vehicle security systems use, counts as unreasonable noise unless it functions as a genuine danger signal, and 'continuous' is defined as sounding for an unnecessary or unreasonable period of time.
C to make a prima facie determination, in the field, that a given horn or alarm sounding is unreasonable. 020, any sound of a level and duration injurious to health or welfare or that unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or property, supplies the legal standard officers apply. 040 address other, steadier noise sources.
Violations & Fines
A violation is enforced as a Loveland Municipal Code misdemeanor under the general penalty, § 1.12.010: a fine consistent with C.R.S. § 13-10-113 or up to 364 days in jail, plus a $15.00 surcharge, and each day the condition continues counts as a separate offense. Because § 7.32.010.C lets an officer find the noise unreasonable without a meter reading, a persistently sounding car alarm can draw a citation on the officer's field determination alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to let my car alarm keep going off in Loveland?
Does a police officer need a decibel meter to cite a car alarm in Loveland?
What happens if I get cited for an unreasonable vehicle noise in Loveland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Loveland
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