Merced County, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo bass limit
- 10 dB above ambient C-weighted level
- Measurement point
- 10 feet or property line, whichever farther
- OHV rule
- No noise disturbance across residential line
- OHV examples covered
- ATVs, dirt bikes, dune buggies, go-carts
- Public-land OHV exception
- Exempt per Veh. Code § 38001
Summary
Merced County's noise ordinance targets vehicle stereos with heavy bass and off-highway vehicles run on private land. A stereo cannot push low-frequency sound more than 10 dB above the ambient C-weighted level at 10 feet, and an off-highway vehicle cannot create a noise disturbance across a residential property line.
When the source being analyzed is a stereo system with low frequency signals as part of its output, the stereo shall not cause a C-weighted level of 10 dB or greater above the C-weighted ambient level at a distance of 10 feet from the source, or the complainant's real property line, whichever is greater. ... Using, operating, or permitting the operation of one or more off-highway vehicles on private property such that the resulting sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).
Full Breakdown
030(C) sets a specific test for stereo systems with low-frequency output: the stereo cannot cause a C-weighted sound level 10 dB or more above the C-weighted ambient level, measured 10 feet from the source or at the complainant's real property line, whichever distance is greater. 020 to include motorcycles, dune buggies, ATVs, dirt bikes, and go-carts, but not lawnmowers or agricultural equipment) on private property when the resulting sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line. 050(A)(7) carves out an exception for off-highway vehicles operated on public land other than a highway, as described in Vehicle Code Section 38001, which falls outside this chapter. 070.
Violations & Fines
A first violation of the stereo or off-highway-vehicle noise provisions is an infraction under Section 1.28.030, with fines of up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each further violation. A second violation within a year may be charged as a misdemeanor under Section 1.28.020, carrying up to $1,000 and/or six months in County Jail, and each additional day of violation is a separate offense under Section 1.28.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a vehicle stereo with heavy bass be cited in unincorporated Merced County?
Is riding a dirt bike on my own property regulated?
Does the noise rule apply to riding off-highway vehicles on public land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Merced County
California rules heatmap·Compare Merced County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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