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San Bernardino County, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Quiet hours
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Test
Plainly audible inside another home
Covers
Car stereos and portable audio devices
First offense
Infraction; repeat becomes misdemeanor
Enforced by
Code Enforcement, Sheriff's Department

Summary

San Bernardino County bans running a car stereo or other audio equipment, portable or vehicle-mounted, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. if it's plainly audible inside another occupied home in unincorporated areas.

City-specific rules exist: Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Rialto, San Bernardino, Hesperia, Ontario, and Chino have their own vehicle noise rules that differ from San Bernardino County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

(a) Audio Equipment. No person shall operate, or allow the operation of, any audio equipment, whether portable or not, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. such that the equipment is plainly audible inside an occupied dwelling other than a dwelling in which the equipment may be located. Sound level measurements may be used, but are not required, to establish a violation of this Subdivision.

View official code

Full Breakdown

County Code § 24.0706(a) makes it unlawful to operate audio equipment -- portable or not, including a car stereo -- between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it's plainly audible inside an occupied dwelling other than the one where it's playing. § 24.0702(n) confirms the plainly-audible test applies to a portable or personal vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device, and only requires that the rhythmic bass be detectable, not identifiable lyrics or artist. Violations are enforced by County Code Enforcement and the Sheriff's Department under § 24.0710.

Violations & Fines

First violation is an infraction. A second violation within 180 days is a misdemeanor. Each day of continuing violation counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cover loud exhausts and mufflers too?
Not directly. Section 24.0706 targets audio equipment. Excessive exhaust noise can still violate the broader disturbing-noise standard in § 24.0705, but the plainly-audible test was written for stereos, not exhausts.
Where does this rule apply?
Only in the unincorporated county. San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Victorville and the other incorporated cities enforce their own separate noise codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Bernardino County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesFew RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome Restrictions

All San Bernardino County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview

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Vehicle Noise in Cities Across San Bernardino County

San Bernardino, CAFontana, CARancho Cucamonga, CAOntario, CAVictorville, CARialto, CAHesperia, CAChino, CA