Amplified music rules in Rialto, CA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Under RMC §9.50.030(A)(4), amplified personal or commercial sound may not be plainly audible across any property line, through party walls, more than 50 ft away from 8 a.m.–10 p.m., or more than 25 ft away from 10 p.m.–8 a.m. Vehicle stereos are separately a misdemeanor at 50 ft under §9.50.040.
Rialto has one of the stricter amplified-sound regimes in San Bernardino County because §9.50.040 elevates car-stereo violations to a misdemeanor — not just an infraction. RMC §9.50.030(A)(4) prohibits any 'personal or commercial music or sound amplification or production equipment' (DJ rigs, party speakers, restaurant patios, retail PA systems) from being plainly audible (a) across any property boundary, (b) through party walls between two residences, (c) at 50 feet between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., or (d) at 25 feet between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. The 'plainly audible' test under §9.50.020 means an officer only needs to detect bass vibration — exact song identification is not required. §9.50.040 separately prohibits operating any radio, stereo, instrument, TV, CD player, or other reproduction device 'from within the motor vehicle' so that the sound is plainly audible at 50 feet (or beyond the property line on private property); this is a misdemeanor under §9.50.120 and can trigger immediate confiscation of the equipment AND the vehicle if components cannot be removed without damage. Permitted outdoor city-authorized events are exempt under §9.50.060(C).
Section 9.50.030 violations are infractions; §9.50.040 vehicle stereo violations are misdemeanors. §9.50.030(D) allows a written abatement notice for the first offense; a second offense within 72 hours can trigger criminal citation, public-nuisance notice, AND confiscation of the amplifying equipment as evidence under §9.50.030(E). For vehicles, §9.50.040(C)(4) authorizes immediate confiscation and impoundment of both components and the vehicle itself. Owners must file a written request with the Police Department within 7 calendar days to seek return of confiscated property. Fines escalate from $250 to $1,000 per offense under §9.50.130.
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