Newton County, GA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)

Sec. 36-107(1) is Newton County's provision for noise from a vehicle's horn or built-in signaling device, enforced as part of Article V's general noise regulation. It targets two situations: sounding a horn or signaling device, which covers alarm sirens and similar equipment mounted on a car or motorcycle, for an excessive period of time, and creating an unreasonably loud or harsh sound through that device, again for an excessive period. The section applies on any street or public place in the unincorporated county. It sits alongside the baseline rule in Sec.

36-106, which independently bars any loud or unnecessary sound audible more than 75 feet from its source that unreasonably disturbs the comfort, repose, peace or safety of others, so a persistently sounding vehicle alarm can also be charged under the general provision. Sec. 36-108 exempts county vehicles engaged in necessary public business and authorized emergency vehicles responding to a call, so a patrol car or ambulance siren is not a violation. Because the ordinance does not set a specific number of minutes defining 'excessive,' enforcement turns on the sheriff's judgment of whether the horn or alarm continued longer than a momentary warning signal would require. Complaints are handled by the sheriff's department, which enforces Chapter 36 offenses in the unincorporated area.