Bostonia, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited
- No muffler, altered muffler, backfiring
- Also barred
- Screeching tires, unnecessary horn
- Off-road RV day cap
- 82 dBA (Sec. 36.416)
- Off-road RV night cap
- 55 dBA, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Enforcer
- San Diego County Sheriff
Summary
San Diego County Code Section 36.414(c)(8), governing unincorporated Bostonia, makes it unlawful to knowingly use a motor vehicle to produce annoying noise by backfiring, screeching tires, running without a muffler, or altering the muffler. Section 36.414(c)(1) also limits unnecessary horn use.
Using or allowing the use of a motor vehicle to knowingly produce a noise that causes annoyance or discomfort to a person of normal sensitivity in the vicinity of the noise by backfiring the engine, screeching the tires, operating without a muffler, altering the muffler or any other action that causes a disturbing, excessive or offensive noise.
Full Breakdown
In Bostonia, motor-vehicle noise is regulated by San Diego County. Section 36.414(c)(8) prohibits using or allowing a vehicle to knowingly produce noise that annoys or discomforts a person of normal sensitivity by backfiring the engine, screeching tires, operating without a muffler, altering the muffler, or any other disturbing action. Section 36.414(c)(1) bars unnecessarily using a vehicle horn or signaling device except as allowed by the California Vehicle Code. Section 36.416 separately caps off-road recreational vehicle noise on private property at 82 dBA (7 a.m.-7 p.m.), 77 dBA (7 p.m.-10 p.m.), and 55 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Modified-exhaust and muffler violations are also enforceable under the California Vehicle Code by the Sheriff.
Violations & Fines
Vehicle-noise violations under Section 36.414 are enforced by the Sheriff, typically as misdemeanors; illegal exhaust and muffler modifications are additionally citable under the California Vehicle Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud modified exhaust illegal in Bostonia?
Are dirt bikes restricted on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bostonia
California rules heatmap·Compare Bostonia to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle vehicle noise.