San Diego, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Vibration test distance
- 50 feet
- Applies
- Any hour, day or night
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail
- Enforcement
- Equipment may be confiscated
Summary
San Diego treats bass you can feel as its own violation. Under SDMC § 59.5.0502(b)(2)(B), a sound amplifier that makes a person aware of vibration 50 feet from the source is a prima facie noise violation, at any hour of day or night.
The operation of any sound amplifier, which is part of, or connected to, any radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette tape player, or other similar device when operated in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet and when operated in such a manner as to cause a person to be aware of vibration accompanying the sound at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the source.
Full Breakdown
SDMC § 59.5.0502(b)(2)(B) makes it a prima facie violation to operate any sound amplifier connected to a radio, stereo receiver, CD player, cassette player, or similar device so that a person 50 feet from the source becomes aware of vibration accompanying the sound. This vibration test is separate from, and runs around the clock unlike, the 'plainly audible at 50 feet' test in subsection (2)(A), which applies only between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Officers authorized under Article 9.5 may confiscate and impound the amplifying equipment as evidence of the violation.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor under SDMC § 59.5.0604: up to a $1,000 fine, up to 6 months in jail, or both. Officers may also confiscate the amplifying equipment as evidence under § 59.5.0502(3)(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes bass illegal under San Diego's noise code?
Does the bass rule only apply at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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Low-Frequency Bass Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle low-frequency bass limits.