Manchester, NH Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit for a personal car alarm
- Not required
- Vehicle noise cap
- 80 dBA at 25 feet
- First-offense fine
- $100
- Repeat-offense fine (4th+)
- $1,000
- Enforcing agency
- Manchester Police Chief
Summary
Manchester exempts vehicle alarms from its burglar-alarm permit system unless the vehicle sits permanently at one site, but any noise a triggered car alarm makes must still stay within the city's 80-decibel motor vehicle noise cap.
ALARM SYSTEM. A device or system that emits, transmits, or relays a signal intended to summon, or that would reasonably be expected to summon police services of the city, including but not limited to local alarms. ALARM SYSTEM does not include: (1) An alarm installed on a vehicle unless the vehicle is permanently located at a site.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 93's alarm-permit system, which requires a Police-Chief-issued permit for burglary/panic alarm systems, expressly does not apply to an alarm installed on a vehicle unless that vehicle is permanently located at one site, so a normal parked-and-driven car's alarm needs no city permit. Separately, Chapter 94's noise code caps all motor vehicle noise, including alarms, horns, and equipment, at 80 dBA measured 25 feet from the vehicle at any time. Operating a vehicle that exceeds that limit is prohibited conduct under § 94.42(H), enforced by the Chief of Police.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the 80 dBA vehicle noise cap is cited under § 94.42(H)/94.43: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 third, $1,000 for a fourth or later offense in one calendar year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Manchester require a permit for a car alarm?
Is there a noise limit if a car alarm keeps going off?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire noise from specific sources overview
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