Montebello Municipal Code Ch. 9.28 Motor Vehicle Alarms

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall be applied to the terms utilized in this chapter unless it appears from the context that a different meaning is intended:

"Emergency situation" means any situation where life or property is in physical jeopardy.

"False alarm" means an alarm signal from a motor vehicle necessitating a response by the Police Department where an emergency situation does not exist.

"Motor vehicle" or "vehicle" means a vehicle which is self-propelled as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 415.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)

A. It is unlawful for any person to cause, allow or permit any alarm located in a motor vehicle registered in the name of or driven by such person to emit any audible sound within the city for a period of more than five minutes.

B. The time shall be calculated based upon the emission of the first audible sound and ending five minutes thereafter notwithstanding any variation or delay in the emissions of audible sound.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)

Any vehicle parked in a public right-of-way, parking lot, parking structure or other public property is subject to enforcement under this chapter. In addition, any vehicle parked on private property may be cited hereunder where the false alarm is clearly audible on the public thoroughfare or nearby private properties. Where such a vehicle is emitting a false alarm, any person may summon city enforcement authorities for the purpose of citing the offending vehicle.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)

Any violation of this section shall be an infraction. The first such violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars. The second infraction occurring within one year of the first violation shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars. Every violation occurring after the second violation within one year of the first violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)

Any violation of this chapter is declared a public nuisance which is subject to abatement pursuant to the procedures described in Section 9.28.060 of this code and as authorized by law.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)

A. The police department, in order to abate the public nuisance created by a vehicle in violation of Section 9.28.020 of this code, may undertake such procedures as area reasonably necessary to deactivate the alarm.

B. If the police department is unable to deactivate the alarm, the vehicle shall be removed in accordance with the provisions of California Vehicle Code Section 22651.5.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)

A. It is unlawful for any person to install, operate, use or maintain any vehicle theft alarm system which utilizes an audible status indicator which emits or causes the emission of a chirp, voice message, or other audible sound at (1) intervals of every two minutes or less; or (2) when a person approaches within a certain distance of the vehicle in which the device is installed.

B. As used in this section and in Section 10.32.340, an audible status indicator is a component of a vehicle theft alarm system which emits sound audible outside the vehicle for the purpose of warning that a vehicle theft alarm system is installed and armed or operational. The term "audible status indicator" shall include any device which emits a chirp, voice message, or other audible sound.

C. In the event enforcement of a violation occurs under this section, no enforcement shall be taken under Section 10.32.340 of this code for the same violation.

D. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute an infraction.

(Ord. 2112 § 1 (part), 1994)