Riverside County, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Sound-system nighttime rule
- Not audible in dwelling after 10 p.m.
- Sound-system daytime rule
- Not audible beyond 100 feet
- OHV muffler noise limit
- 96 dBA (101 dBA if pre-1986)
- First violation fine
- $500 minimum mandatory fine
- Enforced by
- Sheriff and code enforcement
Summary
In unincorporated Riverside County, car stereos can't be heard inside another home after 10 p.m. or beyond 100 feet daytime, and off-highway vehicles need spark-arrestor mufflers rated at 96 dBA or less.
2.Sound Systems. No person shall operate a motor vehicle sound system, whether affixed to the vehicle or not, between the hours of ten p.m. and eight a.m., such that the sound system is audible to the human ear inside any inhabited dwelling. No person shall operate a motor vehicle sound system, whether affixed to the vehicle or not, at any other time such that the sound system is audible to the human ear at a distance greater than one hundred (100) feet from the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Riverside County Code § 9.52.060(A) regulates two vehicle noise sources in the unincorporated area. Motor vehicle sound systems, stereos, radios, CD or MP3 players, cannot run audible inside any inhabited dwelling between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., or audible beyond 100 feet from the vehicle at any other time. Off-highway vehicles need a USDA-qualified spark arrester and a properly maintained muffler without a cutout or bypass, and cannot exceed 96 dBA measured 20 inches from the tailpipe on 1986-or-later models, or 101 dBA on older ones. Ordinary car engine and exhaust noise is exempt from this chapter under § 9.52.020(K) and falls to the California Vehicle Code instead.
Violations & Fines
First and second violations within 180 days are infractions with mandatory minimum fines of $500 and $750; a third violation is a misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail, per § 9.52.100.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play loud music in my car in unincorporated Riverside County?
Does regular car engine or exhaust noise count as a violation?
What noise limit applies to off-road vehicles?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County 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.