Tracy, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Horn use allowed
- Only as a danger warning
- Muffler requirement
- Required on all vehicles/engines
- Governing section
- TMC 4.12.820(a), (f)
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- Repeat fines
- $200, then $500
- Enforcing agency
- Tracy Police Department
Summary
Tracy's noise ordinance separately bans unnecessary horn use and excessive exhaust noise from vehicles. Municipal Code 4.12.820(a) makes it unlawful to sound a horn except as a danger warning or in an unreasonably loud, harsh, or prolonged manner, while 4.12.820(f) requires a working muffler on any stationary engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle.
(a)Horns, signaling devices, etc. The intentional sounding of any horn or other signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle, except as a danger warning; the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of any such device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time; ... (f)Exhausts. The noise emanating into the open air of the noise from the exhaust of any stationary internal-combustion engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69).
Full Breakdown
820(a), the intentional sounding of a horn or other signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle is unlawful unless it is a genuine danger warning; the code also flags an unreasonably loud or harsh horn sound, or sounding one for an unnecessary and unreasonable period, as separate violations. Subsection (f) addresses the other common vehicle noise complaint: exhaust. It bars noise escaping into the open air from the exhaust of any stationary internal-combustion engine, motorboat, or motor vehicle unless it passes through a muffler or comparable device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noise.
810, meaning a driver does not need to exceed a specific decibel reading to be cited; violating either of these named acts is enough. 780 if the noise is tied to a fixed property rather than a moving vehicle.
Violations & Fines
A horn or exhaust-noise citation under TMC 4.12.820(a) or (f) is an infraction under TMC 1.04.030, punishable by up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within 12 months, and $500 for each additional violation in that period. Two convictions for the same provision within 12 months make a further violation a misdemeanor, carrying up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited for honking my horn in Tracy?
Does Tracy require a muffler on my car?
What's the penalty for a muffler or horn noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tracy
California rules heatmap·Compare Tracy to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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How other cities in San Joaquin County handle vehicle noise.