Rialto, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility limit
- 50 feet from the vehicle
- On private property
- Not audible beyond property line
- Offense level
- Misdemeanor, not infraction
- Impoundment
- Immediate, equipment or vehicle
- Modified mufflers
- Prohibited above factory noise levels
Summary
Rialto Municipal Code Section 9.50.040 makes it a misdemeanor to play a car stereo or other in-vehicle sound device plainly audible at 50 feet, or beyond the property line on private property. Police may immediately confiscate the sound components or even the vehicle.
No person shall operating or occupy a motor vehicle on any public right-of-way, public place or private property, while operating or permitting the use or operation of any radio, stereo receiver, musical instrument, television, computer, compact disc player, tape recorder, cassette player or any other device for the production or reproduction of sound from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet from such vehicle, or in the case of a motor vehicle on private property, beyond the property line.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 39).
Full Breakdown
Section 9.50.040 targets boom cars: no person may operate or occupy a motor vehicle while playing any radio, stereo, television, or other sound device plainly audible 50 feet from the vehicle on any public right-of-way or public place, or beyond the property line when on private property. Unlike most noise violations in Rialto, this is a misdemeanor and public nuisance, and officers may immediately confiscate and impound the amplifying components, or the vehicle itself if components cannot be removed without damage. Section 9.50.030(A)(1)-(3) separately prohibits unnecessary horn sounding, engine racing while stationary, and operating vehicles with modified or removed mufflers that increase noise above factory levels.
Violations & Fines
A misdemeanor and public nuisance under Sections 9.50.040 and 9.50.120, with fines of $250 to $1,000 per Section 9.50.130 plus immediate impoundment of equipment or vehicle. Owners may request return in writing within seven calendar days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rialto police impound my car for loud music?
Are loud exhausts illegal in Rialto?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
California rules heatmap·Compare Rialto to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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