Vallejo, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 10 minutes maximum, Sec. 7.82.020
- False-alarm cap
- 3 per 24 hrs or 5 per 7 days
- Enforcement
- Police may deactivate alarm, Sec. 7.82.050
- Backup remedy
- Tow under Veh. Code Sec. 22651.5
- Adopted
- Ordinance 926 N.C. (2d)
Summary
Vallejo Municipal Code Chapter 7.82 makes it unlawful for a motor vehicle alarm to sound for more than ten minutes, or for the same vehicle to trigger more than three false alarms in twenty-four hours or five in seven days. Police can deactivate an offending alarm or have the vehicle towed under Vehicle Code Section 22651.5.
A. It is unlawful for any person to cause, allow, or permit any alarm located in a motor vehicle registered in the name of or driven by such person to emit any audible sound within the city for a period of more than ten minutes. B. The time shall be calculated based upon the emission of the first audible sound ending ten minutes thereafter notwithstanding any variation or delay in the emissions of audible sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Update 12 - 25).
Full Breakdown
C. 82 defines a "false alarm" as one emitted from a motor vehicle that draws a police response when no emergency situation exists, and "motor vehicle" by reference to Vehicle Code Section 415. 020 sets the core rule: it is unlawful for a vehicle's registered owner or driver to let its alarm emit an audible sound for more than ten minutes, timed from the first sound and running a full ten minutes regardless of any pause or variation in the emissions. 030 separately caps false alarms at three within any twenty-four-hour period or five within seven days for the same registered owner or driver.
5, the state provision governing tow-away of a vehicle creating an alarm nuisance. 84 general noise disturbance rules, so a car alarm complaint is handled under this dedicated chapter rather than the citywide noise ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Letting a vehicle alarm sound longer than ten minutes, or exceeding three false alarms in a day or five in a week, violates Chapter 7.82 and is declared a public nuisance under Section 7.82.040, subject to abatement. Police may deactivate the alarm under Section 7.82.050, and if they cannot, the vehicle can be towed under Vehicle Code Section 22651.5, in addition to any citation issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car alarm legally sound in Vallejo?
What counts as too many false car alarms in Vallejo?
What can Vallejo police do about a car alarm that won't stop?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vallejo
California rules heatmap·Compare Vallejo to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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Car Alarm Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle car alarm limits.