Milpitas, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Milpitas's Chapter 213 reaches some vehicle-related noise directly on private property: V-213-2.04 includes within 'Disturbing Noise' both 'the continuous or recurrent acceleration of a motor vehicle or other engine while stationary (revving the engine)' and 'the sounding of any horn or signal device or siren except as a danger warning.' Stationary engine revving in or near a residential zone that increases ambient by more than 3 dB or exceeds 65 dB at the property line (V-213-3.01) is therefore a city violation. However, noise from vehicles in motion on public roads is largely controlled by state law, which preempts most local in-use vehicle-noise rules. California Vehicle Code section 27150 et seq. requires every vehicle to have an adequate muffler in constant operation and prohibits modified exhaust that exceeds 95 dBA (the standard referenced for exhaust-system noise testing). California Vehicle Code section 27007 prohibits operating a vehicle sound amplification system that can be heard outside the vehicle from 50 or more feet while on a highway, except to request assistance or warn of a hazard. California Vehicle Code sections 23130 and 23130.5 set in-use roadway noise limits keyed to vehicle type and posted speed. Enforcement of these on-road provisions is handled by police/CHP under the Vehicle Code, not Chapter 213.