Car alarms that sound continuously are treated as a nuisance noise under Richardson's noise ordinance. Alarms must deactivate within a set time (commonly 5-10 minutes), and repeated violations can result in citations to the vehicle owner.
Richardson treats malfunctioning car alarms as prohibited unreasonable noise under the general noise ordinance. Alarms are expected to self-terminate within a short interval after triggering, commonly 5-10 minutes under best-practice standards, and continuous or repeated sounding draws code enforcement or police response. Officers may contact the registered owner to silence the alarm; if the owner cannot be reached and the noise continues, the vehicle may be towed at the owner's expense under Texas Transportation Code 545.451 and local traffic regulations. Repeated violations can result in citations for disturbing the peace. Aftermarket alarms with no timer override are considered defective and subject to citation on each activation. Residents may report chronically sounding alarms through Richardson's non-emergency police number. Vehicle alarm use must not exceed applicable noise ordinance decibel limits during nighttime hours in residential areas.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Richardson code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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