Can you get a ticket for playing loud music in the car? Here’s what California law says
How loud can you crank up your tunes while cruising down the road before it becomes illegal?
Here’s what our journalists with How To California — a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State — found:
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How loud can you play music while driving under California law?
California Vehicle Code 27007 says it is illegal for a driver to play music that can be heard from 50 feet or more outside the vehicle.
This law applies to all California highways, the law says.
California Vehicle Code 360 states that a “highway” is a publicly maintained road open to public use for vehicles.
“Highway includes street,” the code states.
Are there any exceptions to state law?
“Unless the system is being used to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation,” music should not be audible from more than 50 feet outside the vehicle, California Vehicle Code 27007 says.
This law does not apply to emergency response vehicles, such as ambulances and law enforcement.
The law also does not apply to vehicles using their sound systems for advertising, parades or political events.
However, authorities can ban the use of sound systems for these purposes through local ordinances.
What are the penalties for blasting your car stereo?
According to the California Courts, a violation of California Vehicle Code 27007 can result in a base fine of $35.
After fees and court costs are added, the total amount could exceed $300.
Repeat offenses can cost between $500 and $1,000, depending on the city where you’re pulled over, according to West Coast Trial Lawyers.
“So it is important to be mindful of your music volume when you are driving to your destination or else you may find yourself pulled over for something you did not think was a serious issue,” the law firm said.
Can you wear headphones while driving?
According to California Vehicle Code 27400, it is illegal to wear a headset covering both ears while driving or biking.
This includes headsets, earplugs and earphones, regardless of whether they are in use, the law says.
“The simple act of these devices covering, resting on or inserted into both ears is enough to violate (California code),” Shouse California Law Group, a California-based law firm, said on its website.
If you are caught wearing a headset, earplugs, or earphones in both ears while driving, you’ll be fined starting at $197 and receive one point on your California driving record, the law firm said.
Exceptions to this law include operators of emergency vehicles, employees using equipment for the construction or maintenance of a highway, those in waste management using safety headsets or earplugs when operating refuse collection equipment and people using prosthetic devices to help them hear or protect their hearing.
According to Shouse Law, using one earplug is acceptable because California vehicle code specifies covering both ears.
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This story was originally published July 22, 2024 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Can you get a ticket for playing loud music in the car? Here’s what California law says."
