Fountain Valley, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle stereo test
- Audible 100 feet from a nonstationary source, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Fixed source test
- Audible 50 feet from the property line, 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Idling limit
- More than 10 minutes, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Idling liability
- Driver, owner, registered owner and legal owner each guilty
- Loudspeakers on vehicles
- Written permission from the city traffic engineer
- Noise chapter penalty
- Misdemeanor, each day a separate offense
Summary
In the City of Fountain Valley, California, a car stereo or other device audible from 100 feet away from a moving vehicle between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. is a prima facie noise violation. Idling past 10 minutes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is barred when it disturbs a residential neighborhood, and loudspeakers on vehicles need written permission.
It shall be a prima facie violation of this section if any radio, receiving set, television, musical instrument or similar device is played, used or permitted to be played or used between the hours of nine p.m. and seven a.m. when audible from a distance of fifty feet from the property line of the noise source or from a distance of one hundred feet from any nonstationary noise source. ... No person shall leave standing any motor vehicle, including refrigeration trailers, with engine idling or auxiliary motor running for in excess of ten minutes between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. if the engine or motor noise disturbs the peace or quiet of any residential neighborhood or causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area. The driver, owner, registered owner and legal owner of the motor vehicle or refrigeration trailer shall each be guilty of the offense described herein. ... No person shall operate or drive any vehicle with a sound-amplifying or loudspeaking device in use upon any street or alley at any time without the express written permission from the city traffic engineer.
Full Breakdown
Fountain Valley regulates vehicle noise in two places: the noise chapter (Chapter 6.28) and the vehicle code (Title 10).
Car stereos and similar devices. Section 6.28.145 makes it unlawful to wilfully make or permit any loud, unnecessary and unusual noise that disturbs the peace of a residential neighborhood. It is a prima facie violation if a radio, television, musical instrument or similar device is played between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and is audible from 50 feet away from the property line of the noise source, or from 100 feet away from any nonstationary noise source, which covers a moving or parked vehicle's stereo. A peace officer can make the determination, or it can be proven by the testimony of any other person.
Idling engines. Section 6.28.147 bars leaving any motor vehicle, including refrigeration trailers, standing with the engine idling or an auxiliary motor running for more than 10 minutes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. when the noise disturbs the peace of a residential neighborhood or annoys a reasonable person of normal sensitivity. The driver, owner, registered owner and legal owner are each guilty of the offense.
Sound-amplifying devices. Section 10.12.100 prohibits driving any vehicle with a sound-amplifying or loudspeaking device in use on any street or alley at any time without the express written permission of the city traffic engineer.
Related rules. Section 6.28.148 bans deliveries within 100 feet of residentially zoned property between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and its definition of delivery includes driving, stopping, idling or parking a vehicle. In city parks, Section 12.08.150 requires written permission from the community services director for any sound-amplifying system, but exempts regular portable or vehicle radio use.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the noise chapter are misdemeanors under Section 6.28.150, and each day the violation is committed or continues is a separate offense. Section 1.16.010 sets misdemeanor penalties at a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in the county jail, or both, and lets the prosecutor charge an infraction instead, with fines of $100, $200 and $500 for a first, second and additional violation within one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car stereo be at night in Fountain Valley?
How long can a truck idle in a Fountain Valley neighborhood?
Do I need a permit to use a loudspeaker on a vehicle?
Who enforces vehicle noise rules in the City of Fountain Valley?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fountain Valley
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