Sacramento County, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- On-road vehicles
- CA Vehicle Code 27150 / 27151 (muffler/exhaust)
- Garbage truck limit
- 75 dB at 50 feet (County Code 6.68.140)
- Vehicle alarm
- Removable after 20 minutes sounding
- Early collection
- Before 6 a.m. reportable to county
- Road enforcement
- CHP / Sheriff
- Modified exhaust
- Cutouts and bypasses prohibited
Summary
On-road vehicle noise in unincorporated Sacramento County is governed mainly by California Vehicle Code muffler and exhaust laws (Sections 27150-27151), while the County Code addresses vehicle alarms and limits refuse-collection trucks to 75 dB at 50 feet.
(a) Every motor vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(b) Except as provided in Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) with respect to off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification, every passenger vehicle operated off the highways shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200), and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction, or to vehicles not equipped with an internal combustion engine.
Full Breakdown
Noise from vehicles in unincorporated Sacramento County is regulated through a combination of California state law and the county's own noise code. For on-road motor vehicles, the controlling rules are in the California Vehicle Code. Section 27150 requires every motor vehicle to have an adequate muffler in constant operation and prohibits cutouts or bypasses, and Section 27151 makes it unlawful to modify an exhaust system so that the vehicle exceeds the noise limits established for its type. Local law does not override these statewide standards for cars and motorcycles on public roads.
The County's Noise Control Program adds local provisions for specific situations. For vehicle alarms, county rules allow a police officer, upon complaint, to have a vehicle removed if its alarm has been sounding for 20 minutes without being silenced. ) are directed to contact the county. Loud exhaust and modified mufflers on public roads are typically enforced by the California Highway Patrol and the Sheriff under the Vehicle Code rather than by EMD.
Violations & Fines
Defective or modified exhaust on public roads violates Vehicle Code 27150-27151 and is enforced by CHP and the Sheriff; a car alarm sounding 20 minutes can lead to vehicle removal on complaint; refuse trucks exceeding 75 dB at 50 feet, or collecting before 6 a.m., can be reported to the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loud exhaust illegal in unincorporated Sacramento County?
How loud can garbage trucks be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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