San Diego County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility threshold
- 50 feet from source
- Definition section
- County Code § 36.402(o)
- Violation section
- County Code § 36.414(c)(3)
- Enforcement agency
- San Diego County Sheriff
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
Summary
In unincorporated San Diego County, car stereos and portable speakers face a bass-specific test: if the rhythmic bass line alone carries 50 feet from the vehicle or building, that is a prima facie noise violation, no need to identify the song.
"Plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. As an example, if the sound source under investigation is a portable or personal vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device, the detection of the rhythmic base component of music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound. The noise control officer need not determine the title, specific words or the artist performing the music.
(p) "Powered model vehicle" means a model airplane, model boat or model vehicle of any type or size not designed for carrying persons or property and which may be propelled other than by manpower or wind power.
(q) "Sound amplifying equipment" means any machine or device used to amplify music, the human voice or any sound and does not include a standard automobile radio when used and heard only by the occupants of the vehicle in which it is installed.
(r) "Sound level" means the weighted sound pressure level obtained using a sound level meter and frequency weighting network as provided in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications for sound level meters. As used in this chapter, "sound level" means the same as "noise level."
(s) "Sound level meter" means an instrument for the measurement of sound levels, which meets or exceeds the requirements pertinent for a type 1 or type 2 meter in the ANSI specifications for sound level meters, ANSI S1.4-1983 or its latest revision.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 36.402(o) defines "plainly audible" for portable and vehicular sound systems by the bass alone: detecting the rhythmic bass component of music is sufficient to prove the standard, and the noise control officer does not need to identify the title, words, or artist. Section 36.414(c)(3) then makes that a prima facie violation of the general noise prohibition whenever the device is plainly audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle, building, or structure playing it. The rule is aimed squarely at boom-car and party-speaker bass that carries through walls and across property lines even when the actual lyrics can't be made out.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department under Code § 36.418. A conviction for violating the noise chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in County Jail, or both, per § 11.116.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a deputy have to identify the exact song playing?
How far does the bass have to carry to count as a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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