In a world where you can be slammed with lawsuits at any time, you’re probably wondering if playing loud music from your car is illegal. Here’s your answer.
It is illegal to blast loud music in your car in several states in the U.S. These state laws have varying sound limits to which the devices in your vehicles can make. There are however no federal laws on the sound limit you can make in your vehicle while driving interstate or on a federal highway.
The legality or illegality of blasting loud music while in your car is a confusing yet interesting one, but do not worry we promise to make it easy to understand.
We’ve curated a list of places where you may get in trouble for blasting loud music in your car, read up and get informed with their respective noise limits.
Contents
Places in United States Where Loud Car Music Is Illegal
The highway is considered free to all; laws about noise don’t abide there. However, states, counties and cities in the country have local laws regulating car stereos use on the road and in neighborhoods.
| State | Sound Limit Per Feet/Decibels | Fine to be Paid |
|---|---|---|
| California | 50ft | $400 |
| New York | 15ft/ 15+ dB | $150-$1000 |
| Tennessee | 50 ft+ | $50 |
| Illinois | 75ft | $50 |
| Maine | 25ft/ 85dB | $50-$150 |
| Georgia | 100ft | $144-$424 |
| Wisconsin | 75ft | $40-$200 |
| Florida | 100ft | $30 |
| Orlando | 25ft | $30 |
| Cleveland | 75ft | $75-$500 |
California
In California, U.S.A, if your music is audible from 50 feet or more from the vehicle, as stated in section 27007 of the California vehicle code, you’ll get pulled over and charged a fine.
New York
This state, although popularly called “The Big Apple” by its people and known for its loud, bubbly lifestyle interestingly has a law restricting people from playing loud music. Music of sounds higher than 15+ decibels or 15 feet upwards from your vehicle is illegal.
Tennessee
You can get into a significant amount of trouble for playing loud music from your car in Tennessee. If the sounds from your car stereo can be heard from a distance of 50 feet away or more, it is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and you’ll pay a fine amounting to $50.
Illinois
In Illinois, if the song from your vehicle is audible from about 75 feet before from your car, then you’ve violated the Illinois Vehicle Code, which states:
“625 ILCS 5/12-611: No driver of any motor vehicle within this State shall operate or permit operation of any sound amplification system which can be heard outside the vehicle from 75 or more feet when the vehicle is being operated upon a highway unless such system is being operated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation.”
The punishment for that is stated here:
“Any violation of the provisions of this section shall be a petty offense punishable by a fine not to exceed $50”.
As a side note, most cities in the United States have a rule limiting noise over 100 decibels, usually after 8-10 pm.
Although these laws were written for home use in case of loud parties, they also don’t state the source of the noise, so safe to say it covers loud music from vehicles and fireworks.
Maine
In Maine. Chapter 19, section 2079 of the constitution states that a vehicle must not operate a sound system at an audible distance higher than 25 feet or 85 decibels. Vehicles near buildings or residential areas must also heed this warning.
Georgia
For the people of Georgia, if music from your car is audible from 100 feet away, you’ll get into trouble with the law. Usually, the first time comes with a strong warning, but if it happens a second or third time, you’ll be charged a $145 ticket.
Wisconsin
The law disallows anyone from parking, operating, or stopping a car while music from the car can be heard from 75 feet or more. The only exception is if the information emitting from the amplified system is important or rendering some form of assistance.
A first-time offender will pay between $40-$50 and $100-$200 for a second-time offender or subsequent times.
Florida
The Florida law against loud noise is divided into two sections.
- If the music from the car is audible from 100 feet or more from the vehicle
- If the music from the vehicle is louder than needed and inconvenienced the hearing of occupants of the car and surrounding buildings like churches, schools, and hospitals
The defaulter will pay a fine fee of $30 and a $16 court assessment fee.
Orlando
According to the Florida Statute 316.3045, if music from your car can be heard from 25 feet away, in Orlando you’ll be punished as this is considered unlawful.
Cleveland
In this state, vehicle owners are not allowed to play music in a car at a volume higher than that which only the occupants of the vehicle can hear. If the sound is audible to people outside the car to disturb their peace or comfort, then it’s an offense.
A first offense gets a $75 fine and will pay between $100-and $500 upon subsequent law violations.
Noise Laws in Countries Outside the United States
Yes, some countries outside the United States also have strong laws in place for people who love to blast loud music from their cars with corresponding penalties.
| Country | Penalties |
| Italy | Arrest by authorities |
| Canada (Toronto) | $110 Fine |
| Australia (NSW, Queensland) | $200, $175 |
| United Kingdom | £100 |
| UAE | Dh 400 |
Italy
The highest court in Italy ruled in 2016 that blasting loud music from the car stereo is a crime. The court claimed that loud music disrupted people’s sleep. According to Article 659 of the Italian penal code, noise pollution disturbs public peace, making it unacceptable.
Canada
In Toronto, Canada’s largest city, no amplified sound or sound from loudspeakers, be it in cars or houses, is allowed to exceed 50 decibels from 11p.m-7a.m or from 7a.m to 11 pm.
You’ll be charged a $110 fine as is stated under the existing Highway Traffic Act and $155 fine under the city’s by-laws if you’re caught.
Australia
If your music is too loud, you may end up getting pulled over by a police officer and paying a fine. Blasting loud music from your car is a punishable offense in New South Wale and Queensland.
In NSW, you can be fined up to $200 for contributing to “noise pollution,” and in Queensland, you’ll pay $175.
For the first time offender, a police officer will offer a warning for playing loud music while driving. But subsequently, you attract a fine and receive demerit points on your license.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, if the police notice careless driving from you due to loud music, you’ll be fined a £100 and get three points on your ticket.
UAE
The Abu Dhabi police have warned that any driver found playing loud music or producing roaring, blasting sound from their vehicles without regard to the safety of other road users and citizens will be charged with a Dh 400 fine and also earn four black points.
Ways to Avoid Getting into Trouble for Blasting Music in Your Car
Before we get right into it, here’s a simple and efficient test you can do before you leave home if you feel like getting your groove on while driving.
Get someone to stand outside of your car and at the same time turn on the stereo and make them give you a thumbs up or down as you adjust the volume.
Check below for the remaining steps you must take before going for the boombox.
Keep Your Windows Up
To prevent possible complaints from passersby, roll up the glass; this means the majority of the non-bass sounds will be absorbed and have a reduced subwoofer effect. You can try this out and discover the huge difference in loudness and intensity.
Avoid Residential Areas
No one wants too much noise in their homes, especially after a long hustling and bustling day. Do yourself a favor and painstakingly avoid residential areas on your cruise so you won’t get arrested.
Get the Right Permission
Suppose you intend to host a party or gathering that involves loud music in a restricted space, more like a parking lot. It’s important to collect a permit from the police or proper authorities if you get reported for disturbance by people around.
Watch Out for Background Sounds
As we stated earlier, your music must never be loud enough to drown out noises from essential service providers like the ambulance and fire services.
Ask the Right Questions
it would be best if you asked the right questions from the right quarters about rules and regulations binding playing loud music from cars. The answers will help you adhere to the limits and prevent paying huge sums of money as fines.
Other FAQs About Playing Loud Music in a Car
Can I get arrested for playing loud music in my car?
Yes, you can get pulled over and arrested for blasting loud music. Especially if you’re a repeat offender, it also comes with a huge fine.
Are there people exempted from playing loud music?
Ice cream trucks and essential service providers are exempted from any loud limit laws or regulations worldwide. You’re expected to pull over when you hear them coming behind you for easy and quick passage.
Are first offenders liable to fines and arrest if they break the limits?
In most cases, all you’ll get as a first offender is a strong warning. It’s also important that you read up and take caution next time you’re on the road.
Final Words
To ensure you are not blasting loud music in a city or country where it is tagged illegal, we advise that you soundproof your car, especially the door area where the speakers should be. It is a brilliant way to avoid any altercation or confrontation with people and police authorities. Apart from preventing noise from escaping, it’ll also help improve the sound quality inside your car.
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