Ontario, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- OMC 5-29.14 (Motor vehicles)
- Covers
- Excessive, impulsive or intrusive vehicle and exhaust noise
- State law
- Must comply with California Vehicle Code noise rules
- Includes
- Motorcycles and modified/loud exhaust
Summary
Ontario Municipal Code section 5-29.14 prohibits operating any motor vehicle in a condition that creates excessive, impulsive or intrusive noise, including exhaust noise from engines or motorcycles, and requires compliance with the California Vehicle Code.
The use of any motor vehicle in such a condition as to create excessive, impulsive or intrusive noises is prohibited. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any internal combustion engine, stationary or mounted on wheels, motorboat or motor vehicle, including motor cycle, whether or not discharged through a muffler or other similar device, which discharge creates excessive, unusual, impulsive or intrusive noise is prohibited. Motor vehicles shall comply with the noise regulations of the California Vehicle Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-32: Current through Ordinance 3338, passed 7-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
OMC section 5-29.14 bans the use of any motor vehicle in a condition that creates excessive, impulsive or intrusive noise. It specifically prohibits discharging into the open air the exhaust of any internal combustion engine (stationary or on wheels), motorboat, or motor vehicle, including a motorcycle, whether or not discharged through a muffler, where the discharge creates excessive, unusual, impulsive or intrusive noise. The section also requires that motor vehicles comply with the noise regulations of the California Vehicle Code, which preempts the field of in-use vehicle noise limits (for example, Vehicle Code sections 27150-27160 on adequate mufflers and modified exhaust). This local provision lets Ontario officers cite vehicle exhaust noise as a Chapter 29 violation in addition to any state Vehicle Code enforcement.
Violations & Fines
Excessive vehicle or exhaust noise is an infraction under section 5-29.17, punishable by a fine under OMC section 1-2.01; the underlying conduct may also be cited under the California Vehicle Code mufflers and exhaust provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a loud exhaust or muffler illegal in Ontario?
Does the city or the state regulate vehicle noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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