Chico, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Public property limit
- Audible past 50 feet
- Private property limit
- Audible past 25 feet
- Horn use
- Banned when parked/no danger
- Highway vehicles
- Governed by CA Vehicle Code
Summary
Chico caps vehicle sound amplification systems at 50 feet audibility on public property and 25 feet on private property, and bans unnecessary horn use.
No person shall use or operate any sound amplification system in or on a vehicle located within a public park, within a public parking lot, or on any other public property other than a highway within the city which is audible to a person of normal hearing sensitivity more than fifty feet from such vehicle nor shall any person use or operate any such sound amplification system on or in a vehicle located on private property where the sound amplification system is audible to a person of normal hearing sensitivity more than twenty-five feet from the vehicle or beyond the property line of such private property, whichever is greater. Noise from a sound amplification system in or on a vehicle located on a public highway shall be regulated in the manner provided for by the California Vehicle Code.
B. No person shall use or operate any sound amplification system on or from a bicycle on any highway, within a public park, within a public parking lot, or on any other public property within the city which is audible to a person of normal hearing sensitivity more than fifty feet from such bicycle.
C. Vehicle horns, or other devices primarily intended to create a loud noise for warning purposes, shall not be used when a vehicle is at rest, or when a situation endangering life, health, or property is not imminent.
D. Restriction of use or operation of any sound amplification system as prohibited within Section
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 9.38.056 bars operating a sound amplification system in or on a vehicle in a public park, parking lot, or other public property (excluding highways) if it's audible more than 50 feet away, and on private property if it's audible more than 25 feet from the vehicle or beyond the property line, whichever distance is greater. The same 50-foot limit applies to sound systems on bicycles. Vehicle horns and similar warning devices can't be sounded while a vehicle is parked or when there's no imminent danger to life, health, or property. Noise from a highway-located vehicle's sound system is instead governed by the California Vehicle Code.
Violations & Fines
Enforced as an infraction with fines set by council resolution under Chico Municipal Code § 1.15.050; repeat or willful violations can be charged as a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be on a Chico street?
Can I honk my horn while parked in Chico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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