San Bernardino County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing rule
- County Code § 24.0702(n), § 24.0706
- Quiet hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Proof standard
- Bass detection alone is enough
- Enforcement
- Land Use Services Code Enforcement, Sheriff's Dept.
- First offense
- Infraction citation
Summary
In unincorporated San Bernardino County, a car stereo or speaker's rhythmic bass alone is enough to prove a plainly-audible noise violation: no decibel meter needed.
PLAINLY AUDIBLE. 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 enforcement authority need not determine the title, specific words, or the artist performing the music.
(o) SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT. Any machine or device used to amplify music, the human voice, or any sound such as a loudspeaker, microphone, megaphone, or other similar device.
(p) SOUND LEVEL. 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.”
(q) SOUND LEVEL METER. 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 § SI.4 1979, Type 1 or Type 2). (Ord. 4361, passed - -2019)
Full Breakdown
County Code § 24.0702(n) defines "plainly audible" noise so that detecting the rhythmic bass component of music through a portable or vehicle sound system counts as proof, without identifying the song, words, or artist. Under § 24.0706(a)-(b), audio equipment and sound amplifying equipment can't be plainly audible inside another occupied dwelling between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and sound level measurements are optional to establish the violation.
Violations & Fines
Infraction; a second violation within 180 days can be charged as a misdemeanor. Each day is a separate offense (§ 24.0710).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do deputies need to identify the song to cite me for bass noise?
Is a decibel meter reading required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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