Whittier, CA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Vehicle defect rule
- WMC § 8.32.040(B), out-of-repair/overloaded vehicles
- General vehicle noise rule
- WMC § 8.32.040(C)
- Horn rule
- WMC § 8.32.040(F), warning use only
- Repair exception limit
- Engine testing exempt except at nighttime
- Emergency exemption
- Sirens, train horns exempt (§ 8.32.080(B))
Summary
Whittier's noise code targets vehicles directly in two ways: section 8.32.040(B) bans driving an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle that is so out of repair or so loaded that it creates loud grating, grinding or rattling noise, and section 8.32.040(C) separately bans any loud or annoying motor vehicle noise not reasonably necessary to its operation, naming tire screech, racing the engine, backfiring, and exhaust or muffler noise as examples.
B.Defect in Vehicle or Load. The use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.C.Motor Vehicle Noises. Any loud or annoying noise made by any motor vehicle and not reasonably necessary to the operation thereof under the circumstances, including, but not limited to, noise caused by screeching of tires; racing or accelerating the engine, except in the course of repair or adjustment thereof during nighttime hours; backfiring the engine; or the emission of exhaust from the engine tail pipe or muffler.
Full Breakdown
040(B) covers vehicles that are mechanically defective or improperly loaded, catching any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, or loaded in such a way, that it creates loud grating, grinding, rattling or other noise as it moves. 040(C) is broader, reaching any loud or annoying motor vehicle noise that is not reasonably necessary to the vehicle's operation under the circumstances; the ordinance specifically lists screeching tires, racing or accelerating the engine, backfiring, and exhaust or muffler noise as examples, though it carves out engine racing or accelerating done in the course of repair or adjustment, except when that work happens during nighttime hours.
040(F), which bars sounding a horn for any purpose other than a danger warning, creating unreasonably loud or harsh signal sounds, or sounding a signal for an unreasonably long time. 070 gives a defendant a defense if the noise came from a muffler, horn or siren installed and operated in compliance with state law. 060 before issuing a citation.
Violations & Fines
A defective-vehicle or motor-vehicle-noise citation under section 8.32.040(B) or (C) is typically processed as an infraction, with the general penalty schedule's escalating fines of $100, $200 and $500 for repeat violations of the same section within a year, or the city attorney can file it as a misdemeanor carrying up to a $500 fine and six months in jail under section 1.08.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cited for a loud exhaust or muffler in Whittier?
Is revving my engine to fix it a violation?
Does honking my horn at a driver who cut me off violate the code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Whittier
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle vehicle noise.