Beaverton, OR Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 10 consecutive seconds max
- Exempt
- genuine danger warnings
- Applies on
- highways & public-access premises
- Violation class
- Class I civil infraction
Summary
Beaverton bars sounding a vehicle horn or other signaling device for more than 10 consecutive seconds on a highway or public-access premises, except as a genuine danger warning, under BC 5.15.030(H).
The sounding of any horn, signaling device, or other similar device, on any motor vehicle on a highway or premises open to the public for more than 10 consecutive seconds. The sounding of any horn, signaling device, or other similar device, as a danger warning, is exempt from this prohibition.
I. Loading or Unloading. The creation of unreasonably loud, raucous and excessive noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle at a place of business or residence.
J. Nonemergency Signaling Devices. Sounding or permitting the sounding of any amplified signal from any bell, chime, siren, whistle, or similar device, intended primarily for nonemergency purposes, from any place for more than 10 consecutive seconds in any hourly period. The reasonable sounding of such devices by houses of religious worship, seasonal contribution solicitors, or by the City for traffic control purposes are exempt from the operation of this subsection.
K. Emergency Signaling Devices. The intentional sounding or permitting the sounding of any emergency signaling device, including fire alarm, siren, whistle, or similar emergency signaling device, except in an emergency or except as provided in subsections (K)(1) and (2) of this section.
Full Breakdown
BC 5.15.030(H) caps how long a vehicle horn or other signaling device may sound: more than 10 consecutive seconds on a highway or any premises open to the public is a per se noise violation, except when the horn is used as a danger warning. Beaverton's code doesn't set a separate numeric standard for car stereos, exhaust, or engine-brake noise -- those fall only under the general prohibition on unreasonably loud or raucous noise in BC 5.15.025, weighed case by case on factors like time, duration, and proximity to a sleeping facility. This applies inside Beaverton city limits in Washington County, Oregon.
Violations & Fines
Sounding a vehicle horn or signaling device for more than 10 seconds outside a genuine danger warning is a Class I civil infraction under BC 5.15.040, fined up to $1,000 for repeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I honk my horn in Beaverton?
Does Beaverton regulate loud car stereos separately?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Beaverton
Compare Beaverton to another location·View the Oregon noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle vehicle noise.