Long Beach, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Off-road vehicles
- Must meet §§ 8.80.150/.170 noise tables
- Repair/modification
- Cannot disturb residential property line
- Sanctioned-event exception
- Applies to repair/testing noise only
- Aircraft exemption
- Airport-property aircraft excluded
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 180 days jail
Summary
Long Beach bars off-road recreational vehicles from exceeding the city's district noise limits and separately prohibits repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing a motor vehicle or motorboat in a way that disturbs residential neighbors.
8.80.230 - Recreational motorized vehicles operating off the public right-of-way. No person shall operate or cause to be operated any recreational motorized vehicle off a public right-of-way in such a manner that the sound level emitted therefrom violates the provisions of Sections 8.80.150 and 8.80.170. This Section shall apply to all recreational motorized vehicles, whether or not duly licensed and registered, including, but not limited to, commercial or noncommercial racing vehicles, motorcycles, go-carts, amphibious craft, campers, and dune buggies, but not including motorboats. 8.80.240 - Vehicle, motorboat or aircraft repair and testing. A.Repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing any motor vehicle, motorboat or aircraft in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property line, or at any time to violate the provisions of Sections 8.80.150 or 8.80.170 shall not be permitted except where said activities are directly related to officially sanctioned events.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
170. 240(A) prohibits repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing any motor vehicle, motorboat or aircraft in a manner that creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line, or at any time in violation of those same noise tables, unless the activity is directly tied to an officially sanctioned event; subsection (B) exempts aircraft on airport or adjoining aviation property. 310) leaves routine street-legal vehicle operation to state law.
Violations & Fines
A documented violation of either section that continues after a Noise Control Officer abatement order is a misdemeanor under § 8.80.380, punishable by a fine up to $500, up to 180 days in jail, or both, with each additional day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense; the vehicle or activity can also be enjoined as a public nuisance under § 8.80.410.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test a loud modified exhaust in my driveway in Long Beach?
Are dirt bikes and go-carts regulated off-road in Long Beach?
Does Long Beach regulate loud car stereos or mufflers on the street?
What's the penalty for violating these vehicle-noise sections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach 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.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle vehicle noise.