Redding, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- RMC § 10.24.030
- Muffler standard
- Cal. Veh. Code § 38370
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Fourth-offense fine
- Up to $500
- Exemption
- Lawfully zoned racetracks only
Summary
Redding Municipal Code Section 10.24.030 requires every motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, ATV, go-cart, or minibike ridden off an improved street to run a constantly maintained muffler meeting state Vehicle Code Section 38370, with no cutout or bypass device. The rule targets noise from off-road riding on vacant lots, easements, and private acreage citywide, not street-legal exhaust systems.
It is unlawful for any person to drive, ride or use a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or off-highway motor vehicle, as such vehicles are defined in Sections 400, 405 and 38012, respectively, of the State Vehicle Code, including, but not limited to, motor scooters, motor bikes and minibikes, upon any public or private property which is not an improved public street or highway or an improved private street constructed in accordance with city standards and approved by the city, unless the motorcycle, motor-driven cycle or off-highway motor vehicle is at all times equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the requirements of Section 38370 of the State Vehicle Code as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device. The provisions of this section shall not apply if the enumerated vehicles are being operated on a lawfully zoned and operating racetrack.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 48).
Full Breakdown
010). 020 first bans riding any motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or off-highway motor vehicle, including motor scooters, minibikes, all-terrain vehicles, go-carts, and four-wheel-drive vehicles, on property that is not an improved and city-approved public or private street, unless the rider owns or has the resident's or tenant's written permission, or the use is authorized by a zoning use permit. 030 layers a muffler mandate on top: any of those vehicles operated off an improved street must run an adequate muffler in constant operation, properly maintained to meet Vehicle Code Section 38370, and the exhaust system cannot carry a cutout, bypass, or similar device that defeats the muffler.
The only carve-out is a lawfully zoned, operating racetrack. 040 makes clear these noise rules stack on top of, rather than replace, the city's zoning code, so a use permit does not excuse a defective muffler.
Violations & Fines
Every violation of Chapter 10.24, including a bad muffler under Section 10.24.030, is an infraction under Section 10.24.050: up to $100 for a first conviction, $200 for a second within one year, $350 for a third, and $500 for a fourth or later conviction within that year. Riders cited under this chapter can still face separate citations under the state Vehicle Code if the vehicle is also unregistered or unsafe for street use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Redding's muffler rule cover loud car stereos?
Can I ride a dirt bike on my own property in Redding?
What is the penalty for repeat muffler violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redding
California rules heatmap·Compare Redding to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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