Warren, MI Noise from Specific Sources: Car Alarm Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 21-33
- Auto-shutoff limit
- 15 minutes maximum
- Responsible party
- The alarm owner
- Fine range
- $100.00-$1,000.00 per violation
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 80-315, 3-11-86
Summary
Warren requires every publicly audible alarm to auto-shut off within 15 minutes, and makes an owner whose alarm exceeds that limit, or who lacks a limiting device, personally in violation under Sec. 21-33.
Sec. 21-33. - Alarms. All alarms that can be heard by the public shall include a device that automatically shuts the sound of the alarm off after it has sounded for a period of no longer than fifteen (15) minutes. The owner of any alarm that sounds publicly for longer than fifteen (15) minutes, or who fails to install a device that will limit the sound to no more than fifteen (15) minutes, shall be in violation of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 102).
Full Breakdown
Section 21-33, titled "Alarms," requires that all alarms that can be heard by the public include a device that automatically shuts the alarm sound off after it has sounded for no longer than 15 minutes. The owner of any alarm that sounds publicly for longer than 15 minutes, or who fails to install a device limiting the sound to no more than 15 minutes, is in violation of the section. The rule dates to Ord. No. 80-315, adopted March 11, 1986, and applies to alarms generally, not just vehicle alarms, covering any publicly audible alarm system within the city.
It sits in Article II alongside the mobile sound amplification and sound truck rules and is subject to the same Sec. 21-34 exceptions for police, fire and ambulance vehicles on emergency business. Because Sec. 21-33 does not carry its own penalty clause, it is enforced under the article-wide penalty at Sec. 8727(3).
Violations & Fines
Failing to equip a publicly audible alarm with a 15-minute auto-shutoff, or letting an alarm sound publicly beyond 15 minutes, violates Sec. 21-33 and is a municipal civil infraction under Sec. 21-36. The district court fine runs $100.00 to $1,000.00 per violation, plus costs, assessments and damages under MCL 600.8727(3), with the alarm owner held responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a car or house alarm legally sound in Warren?
Who is responsible if an alarm keeps blaring past 15 minutes?
What's the fine for an alarm noise violation in Warren?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Warren
Compare Warren to another location·View the Michigan noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.