Chino, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- Off-street motor vehicle operation
- Vehicles named
- Motorcycle, trail bike, dune buggy, scooter, jeep
- State exemption
- Penal Code § 372 conduct excluded
- Adopted
- Ord. 91-23 § 1 (part), 1991
Summary
Chino bars operating motorcycles, dune buggies, trail bikes, and similar motor vehicles off-street in a way that disturbs a neighborhood with noise, dust, smoke, or fumes.
A.No person shall operate any motor vehicle (including any motorcycle, trail bike, dune buggy, motor scooter or jeep, or the motor thereof, on any place other than a street so as to disturb the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or person by noise, dust, smoke or fumes caused by such motor vehicle.B.This section does not apply to any act prohibited by Section 372 of the Penal Code, or prohibited or expressly permitted by any state statute.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Chino Municipal Code § 10.52.170 makes it unlawful to operate any motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, trail bike, dune buggy, motor scooter, or jeep, anywhere other than a street, in a manner that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or person through noise, dust, smoke, or fumes. The section exempts conduct already governed by Penal Code § 372 or expressly permitted by state statute. Chino's general noise ordinance (Ch. 9.40) separately exempts motor vehicle noise regulation as an area preempted by state and federal law, so this off-highway provision, not the citywide decibel standard, is the city's operative local tool against nuisance vehicle noise.
Violations & Fines
Violation of Ord. 91-23 is enforceable per Chino's general penalty provisions for municipal code infractions/misdemeanors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chino regulate loud car stereos and mufflers directly?
What vehicles does § 10.52.170 target?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle vehicle noise.