Hemet, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

For the incorporated City of Hemet, on-road vehicle noise is governed mainly by California state law, which preempts local muffler and exhaust standards. California Vehicle Code Sec. 27150 requires every motor vehicle to be equipped at all times with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and prohibits cutouts or bypasses. CVC Sec. 27151 bars modifying the exhaust system in a manner that amplifies or increases noise beyond the limits set in Article 2.5 (commencing with Sec. 27200); SAE test procedure J1169 references a 95-decibel maximum for many lighter vehicles. These statewide rules are enforced by police, including the Hemet Police Department. The City's own general noise provision, Municipal Code Sec. 53-4, also reaches loud, unnecessary vehicle noise (such as a revving engine or sustained idling) that unreasonably disturbs the peace. Separately, Hemet's Code Compliance FAQ addresses parked vehicles rather than moving-vehicle noise: inoperable or dismantled vehicles must be stored enclosed, no commercial vehicle may park on a residentially zoned street or lot except for loading/unloading, and vehicles parked over 72 hours on a public street are reported to Hemet Police (951-765-2400). Hemet does not publish its own vehicle decibel table.