Joint OC Coastal Traffic/Noise Control Operation Yields Nearly 150 Citations: Police

SEAL BEACH, CA — Over the weekend, the Laguna Beach police led a multi-agency traffic enforcement operation that resulted in 119 vehicle stops and 140 cited violations, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

The operation, which occurred Saturday, targeted speed violations, loud and modified exhaust systems, and electric bicycle and electric motorcycle violations across Orange County coastal communities from San Clemente to Seal Beach, police said.

Partner agencies included the Huntington Beach Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Police said those agencies were funded through grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

The operation resulted in 15 citations for loud exhaust violations, including one vehicle referred to a state referee for emissions violations. The loudest reading recorded during the operation was 110 dBA, according to police.

Officers also issued 58 citations for basic speed law violations or driving faster than 65 mph. The highest recorded speed was 95 mph on SR-1 Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, police said.

Six drivers were cited for driving without a license or with a suspended license, three e-bike riders were cited for various violations, and two vehicles were impounded.

Under California law, vehicle exhaust systems may produce sound levels up to 95 decibels during standardized testing, police said. Laguna Beach police noted that some vehicles measuring at or just below that limit may still create noise that residents find disruptive, though they remain compliant with current state law.

The department said it will continue to monitor community concerns while focusing enforcement on vehicles operating outside legal standards.

Sgt. Thomas Spratt commented on the reasons for the monitoring.

“Speed and loud exhaust violations continue to compromise the safety and quality of life of our residents,” Spratt said. “Consequently, we are left with no choice but to take a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement.”

Spratt also thanked law enforcement partners across Orange County and said joint enforcement operations would continue through the end of the year.

The latest operation follows several years of similar enforcement efforts in Laguna Beach and nearby coastal communities.

Patch previously reported that Laguna Beach police led a multi-agency operation in July 2024 that resulted in 198 vehicle stops and 237 violations, including 67 loud exhaust and emissions citations, 46 speeding citations and three citations involving electric motorcycle and e-bike riders.

In August 2024, more than 100 citations in another Laguna Beach-led weekend operation, during which Chief Jeff Calvert said speed and loud exhaust violations were affecting residents’ safety and quality of life.

In September 2025 that a similar coastal traffic operation resulted in more than 60 citations, including six loud exhaust citations, 56 speed citations and a top recorded speed of 97 mph on Coast Highway in Newport Beach.