Sacramento, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 8.68.200(A), (G)
- Enforcement notice
- Oral cease warning required first
- Civil penalty
- $250–$25,000 per day
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor after notice ignored
- Variance option
- Zoning administrator, § 8.68.260
Summary
Sacramento bans motor noise "not reasonably required in the operation" of a vehicle, including backfiring and motor racing, and requires every combustion engine's exhaust to run through a muffler that prevents loud or explosive noise. Both are "specific unlawful noises" under City Code § 8.68.200, enforced with a mandatory oral warning before any misdemeanor citation.
A. Motor Noises. Any noise made by the motor of any automobile, truck, tractor, motorcycle, not reasonably required in the operation thereof under the circumstances and shall include but not be limited to backfiring and motor racing. ... G. Exhausts. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor boat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
Full Breakdown
" Subsection A, "Motor Noises," covers "any noise made by the motor of any automobile, truck, tractor, motorcycle, not reasonably required in the operation thereof under the circumstances" and expressly includes backfiring and motor racing. 200 specifically, the city manager or designee must first give an oral notice to cease the unlawful noise, only a continuing violation after that notice becomes a misdemeanor. 28. 260, which can set interim noise levels or operating conditions while compliance work proceeds. 200.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 8.68.200(A) or (G) first draws an oral cease notice from the city manager or a police officer under § 8.68.280(A)(2); continuing the noise after that notice is a misdemeanor. Independently, § 8.68.280(C) exposes violators to civil penalties of $250 to $25,000 per day, plus administrative penalties under Chapter 1.28, and all remedies are cumulative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loud car exhaust illegal in Sacramento?
Can Sacramento police cite me the first time my engine is loud?
What does Sacramento's motor-noise rule actually cover?
What are the penalties for repeat vehicle noise violations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle vehicle noise.