San Clemente, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 8.48.070(A)
- Prohibited
- Horn/alarm sounded unreasonably loud or long
- Exception
- Horn used as danger warning
- First offense fine
- $100 (infraction) or up to $1,000
- Enforced by
- Police and Code Enforcement
Summary
San Clemente treats a car alarm, horn, or other vehicle signaling device sounded for an unreasonable period or at an unreasonably loud or harsh volume as a prohibited noise under Municipal Code Section 8.48.070(A). The only exception is sounding a horn as an actual danger warning; a lingering anti-theft alarm blast is not covered by that exception and can draw a citation.
A.Horns, signaling devices, etc. The sounding of any horn or other audible signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle, except as a danger warning; the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; the sounding of any such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time; the use of any horn, whistle or other device operated by engine exhaust; and the use of any signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Traffic: Supplement 30 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
060. Subsection A covers the sounding of any horn or other audible signaling device on a vehicle except as a danger warning, the creation of an unreasonably loud or harsh sound by such a device, and sounding the device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time. A car alarm that cycles for minutes on end in a parking lot or driveway fits squarely within that language. 040 as well, which bars any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs a neighborhood or annoys a reasonable person.
100 to an owner or operator working to fix a chronic noise source, but a private vehicle alarm has no such standing exception and remains subject to enforcement any time it sounds. 070 applies throughout the City rather than only in residential zones, a car alarm going off downtown or in a commercial lot is treated the same as one in a residential driveway.
Violations & Fines
A first violation is prosecuted as a misdemeanor under the City's general penalty, Section 1.16.010, punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both, unless the City Attorney or City Prosecutor charges it as an infraction. The City can instead issue an administrative citation under Chapter 1.20, with fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense of the same violation within a year, and $500 for each additional offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited if my car alarm keeps going off in San Clemente?
Is there an exception for using my horn?
What is the fine for a noise violation like this in San Clemente?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Clemente
California rules heatmap·Compare San Clemente to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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