Chula Vista, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

CVMC 17.24.040(C)(6), "Exhausts," prohibits discharging "into the open air the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, compressor, motor boat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom." Subsection (C)(9), "Motorcycle or Motor Vehicle Noises," specifically bars a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle operator from increasing "the engine's revolutions per minute while the transmission is in neutral or the clutch is engaged so as to cause more noise to be emitted than is necessary for the normal operation of the vehicle," and separately prohibits any "disturbing, excessive, offensive, or unreasonable noise" from a vehicle not reasonably necessary to its operation, expressly naming "screeching of tires, racing or accelerating the engine, backfiring the engine, or other noise from the engine tailpipe or muffler." Subsection (C)(10), "Horns or Signaling Devices," bars sounding a horn except as a danger warning, creating an unreasonably loud or harsh signal sound, sounding a device for an unnecessary period, or honking when traffic is held up.

All three clauses are declared public nuisances under the chapter's lead-in language in 17.24.040(C). If the amplifying or noise-making components are attached to a vehicle and can't be removed without damage, a peace officer encountering a prima facie violation may impound the vehicle itself under CVMC 17.24.050(B), citing California Vehicle Code § 22655.5.