Virginia Beach, VA Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential area limit
- 10 consecutive minutes
- Other areas limit
- 15 consecutive minutes
- First offense
- Class 3 misdemeanor
- Repeat offense (within 1 yr)
- Class 2 misdemeanor
- Enforced by
- Virginia Beach Police Department
Summary
Virginia Beach caps car alarm sounding at 10 minutes in residential areas and 15 minutes elsewhere, unless the alarm is responding to an actual break-in, fire, or other emergency, under the city noise ordinance.
Sounding or permitting the continuous or intermittent sounding outdoors of any emergency signaling device, or any security, burglar or fire alarm, siren, whistle, or similar device, including without limitation any motor vehicle security alarm, siren, whistle, or similar device, for a period in excess of ten (10) minutes in any residential area and fifteen (15) minutes in any other area, except in response to a burglary, attempted burglary, fire, or other emergency.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 23-71(c) prohibits sounding any motor vehicle security alarm, siren, or whistle outdoors for more than 10 consecutive minutes in a residential area, or 15 minutes anywhere else in the city, unless the alarm is responding to an actual burglary, attempted burglary, fire, or other emergency. The police department enforces the citywide noise ordinance and may issue a summons; a private citizen can also seek a magistrate's summons. A first violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor, and any repeat violation within one year becomes a Class 2 misdemeanor under § 23-66.
Violations & Fines
First offense is a Class 3 misdemeanor; a repeat violation within one year is a Class 2 misdemeanor. The city may also seek a court injunction against a continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my car alarm sound during an actual break-in?
How long can a car alarm legally sound in Virginia Beach?
What happens if a car alarm keeps going off?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Virginia Beach
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