Glenn County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Distance test
- Plainly audible at 10 feet from vehicle
- Time coverage
- Any time, no nighttime limit
- Where it applies
- Any county roadway
- Max penalty
- $500 fine and/or 6 months jail
- Adopted
- Ord. 1322, January 24, 2023
Summary
In unincorporated Glenn County, a car stereo or vehicle sound system audible from 10 feet away on a county roadway is automatic proof of a noise violation, at any hour, day or night, under the county's audio-equipment ordinance.
Use, operate or permit to be played, any Audio Equipment from any motor vehicle on any county roadway with volume louder than is necessary for convenient hearing for the persons who are in the motor vehicle in which such machine or device is operating. The operation of any such sound machine or device in such a manner as to be plainly audible at any time at a distance of ten (10) feet from the motor vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
25's noise control article adopted by Ordinance 1322 on January 24, 2023, bars using or operating audio equipment from any motor vehicle on a county roadway at a volume louder than necessary for convenient hearing by the occupants of that vehicle. Unlike the residential rule in the same section, this vehicle provision carries no nighttime window: it applies at any time of day. 020(A)(2). 020(B) to include any radio, stereo, tape player, CD player, MP3 player or other device that produces or reproduces sound, so aftermarket subwoofers and factory systems are both covered.
010 frames the whole chapter's purpose as prohibiting unnecessary, excessive and annoying noise from any source subject to the County's police power, giving deputies discretion to act even where the 10-foot test is close.
Violations & Fines
Section 10.25.050 makes any violation of Chapter 10.25 punishable as either an infraction or a misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, at the discretion of the charging officer and the court. The Glenn County Sheriff's Office enforces the vehicle-audio rule on county roads outside Willows and Orland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a decibel limit for car stereos in unincorporated Glenn County?
Does the county car-stereo noise rule apply only at night?
What happens if I get cited for a loud car stereo in Glenn County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Glenn County
California rules heatmap·Compare Glenn County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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