San Jose, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SJMC § 10.16.020(B)(1)-(3)
- Covers
- Horn misuse, loud exhaust, parked-engine revving
- Legal basis
- Deemed a disturbing-the-peace violation
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor: up to $1,000 fine, 6 months jail
- Enforced by
- San Jose Police Department
Summary
San Jose's noise code names three vehicle sounds as disturbing the peace by definition: misused horns, loud exhaust systems, and revving a parked engine outside of repair work.
1.The sounding of any horn, signal or noise device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus, truck or other vehicle, in any other manner or for any other purpose than allowed by the California Vehicle Code or other laws of the state;2.The noise from an exhaust system of any vehicle which is not equipped or constructed so as to prevent any disturbing or unreasonably loud noise;3.The revving of the engine of any motor vehicle while such vehicle is not in motion, except when done in the course of repairing, adjusting or testing it;4.Disturbing or unreasonably loud shouting or crying of peddlers, hawkers, vendors or newspaper carriers;5.The playing or operating of any radio, phonograph, orchestra or other musical device or instrument in a manner that is disturbing or unreasonably loud to a reasonable person outside the facility or unit from which the noise emanates; and6.Disturbing or unreasonably loud shouting, screaming, wailing or other vocalization that is disturbing or unreasonably loud to a reasonable person outside the facility or unit from which the noise emanates. (Prior code § 4232; Ord. 24198.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under SJMC § 10.16.020(B), San Jose treats specific vehicle noises as automatic violations of the disturbing-the-peace ban in § 10.16.010: sounding a horn or noise device beyond what the California Vehicle Code allows, running an exhaust system not built to prevent disturbing or unreasonably loud noise, and revving a parked vehicle's engine outside of repair, adjustment or testing. The list is illustrative, not exclusive, subsection A states the chapter reaches all disturbing or unreasonably loud noises, and these three examples just make vehicle sounds explicit targets for San Jose police.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 10.16.010/.020 is a misdemeanor under SJMC § 1.08.010, up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, unless the city attorney charges it as an infraction instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is revving my engine illegal in San Jose?
Can I get cited for a loud aftermarket exhaust?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
California rules heatmap·Compare San Jose to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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