LA County Code §12.08.500 limits motor-vehicle noise to 75 dBA at 50 feet on local streets. California Vehicle Code §27007 bans amplified sound systems audible 50 feet from a truck. Early-morning grocery and trash deliveries draw most complaints.
Two layers control delivery-truck noise in LA County. State law applies countywide: California Vehicle Code §27007 prohibits any motor vehicle sound amplification audible from 50 feet, and §27150 requires functioning mufflers. CHP and local police enforce both. Layer two is LA County Code §12.08.500, which sets a 75 dBA limit at 50 feet for vehicle operations on private property and loading docks in unincorporated areas. Receiving facilities adjacent to residential zones cannot accept deliveries between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. without a conditional use permit. Idling trucks face a separate state ban: California Air Resources Board limits diesel-truck idling to five minutes per stop under 13 CCR §2485.
CVC §27007 violations are infractions starting at $238 base fine. LA County Code §12.08.500 violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $1,000 per day plus possible CUP revocation. CARB idling fines start at $300.
See how Santa Monica's delivery truck noise rules stack up against other locations.
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