Sonoma County sets no local vehicle noise limits; state law controls. California Vehicle Code Section 27150 requires an adequate muffler on every motor vehicle, and Section 27151 bans exhaust modifications that increase noise, with most passenger vehicles compliant at 95 dBA or less.
The county's General Plan Noise Element does not regulate on-road vehicle noise directly; Policy NE-1j instead encourages the California Highway Patrol to actively enforce Vehicle Code sections on adequate mufflers and modified exhaust systems. Vehicle Code Section 27150 requires every registered motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine to carry an adequate muffler in constant operation, and prohibits cutouts, bypasses, or similar devices. Section 27151 prohibits modifying an exhaust system to amplify noise beyond the limits of Article 2.5 and prohibits operating a vehicle so modified; for vehicles under 6,000 pounds other than motorcycles, a sound level of 95 dBA or less under the current SAE test standard complies. These state rules apply on all roads in unincorporated Sonoma County.
Violations are cited as Vehicle Code infractions by the CHP or Sonoma County Sheriff; fines apply and the exhaust system must be brought back into compliance with Sections 27150 and 27151.
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