San Jose regulates car alarm noise under SJMC Chapter 10.16 general noise provisions and California Vehicle Code Section 27007. Alarms that sound continuously and disturb the peace may be cited. Vehicle noise audible beyond 50 feet from a parked vehicle on public property is a violation.
Car alarm noise in San Jose falls under the general noise provisions of SJMC Chapter 10.16, which prohibits unreasonably loud noises that disturb the peace and quiet of a neighborhood. California Vehicle Code Section 27007 provides that car alarms and sound systems on vehicles parked on public property must not be audible beyond 50 feet. The San Jose Police Department responds to car alarm complaints and may issue citations for alarms that sound continuously. Under California law, vehicles with malfunctioning alarms that repeatedly activate may be declared a public nuisance. Property owners in residential areas who allow vehicle alarms to repeatedly disturb neighbors face potential code enforcement action. SJPD recommends noting the vehicle description, license plate, and location when filing a complaint.
Noise disturbance citation under SJMC Ch. 10.16. California Vehicle Code citation for alarms audible beyond 50 feet. Public nuisance declaration for chronic offenders.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
See how San Jose's car alarm limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.