Car alarms in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Chapter 12.08 and California Vehicle Code §22651.5. Alarms sounding for extended periods may result in vehicle towing. Owners are responsible for ensuring alarms do not create a nuisance.
Car alarms in unincorporated LA County fall under the Chapter 12.08 noise ordinance as a prohibited noise source when they create an unreasonable disturbance. California Vehicle Code §22651.5 authorizes removal of a vehicle whose alarm has been sounding for 20 minutes or more. LA County Code Section 12.08.510 addresses burglar alarms and security devices, requiring that they automatically silence within a reasonable period. Alarms that repeatedly sound without cause constitute a nuisance under the code. The Sheriff's Department responds to car alarm complaints and may authorize towing for repeat offenders. Vehicle owners are responsible for maintaining alarm systems to prevent false activations. Some residential areas and HOAs impose stricter alarm duration limits.
Vehicle with alarm sounding 20+ minutes may be towed under CVC §22651.5 at owner's expense. Repeated nuisance alarms may result in citations under the noise ordinance with fines up to $1,000.
See how Palmdale's car alarm limits rules stack up against other locations.
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