Little Rock, AR Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Little Rock, AR?
| Regulation | Details for Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10:30PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 501-371-4829 |
10:30 PM - 7:00 AM (midnight for River Market entertainment venues)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Little Rock, AR Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Little Rock, AR?
Little Rock, AR's noise ordinance, specifically Section 18-52, prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise that is detrimental to health or peace. This includes loud music, particularly between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (with a midnight exception for River Market venues), disturbing animal noises, and excessive vehicle sounds. Violations can result in fines or jail time.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified | Not specified |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: Little Rock's ordinance does not specify general decibel limits. North Little Rock has a 70 dB limit for residential areas after 11 p.m. and before 7 a.m., but this does not apply to Little Rock. There's a 55 dB(A) Leq limit for non-wellhead compressor facilities in noise-sensitive areas, but this is specific to industrial operations.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Excessive noise on streets adjacent to schools, churches, courts, hospitals, or residences that unreasonably interferes with their operations is prohibited. Permits for necessary emergency work or underground repair/construction near sensitive areas may specify reasonable hours.
- Amplified Sound:
Playing any radio, phonograph, audio equipment, or musical instrument in a manner or volume that disturbs the quiet, comfort, or peace of persons in offices, hospitals, dwellings, hotels, or other residences, particularly between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is prohibited. An exception allows River Market entertainment venues to operate until midnight.
- Animals:
The keeping of any animal, bird, or fowl that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity is prohibited.
- Vehicles:
Unnecessary sounding of horns or signal devices, creation of unreasonably loud or harsh sounds, or sounding devices for unreasonable periods is prohibited. Vehicles in disrepair, overloaded, or operated in a manner that creates loud, unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise are also prohibited. Operating an engine without an effective muffler is illegal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Little Rock, AR Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Little Rock, AR?
10:30 PM - 7:00 AM (midnight for River Market entertainment venues). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Little Rock, AR?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified during the day and Not specified at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Little Rock, AR?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Little Rock, AR police non-emergency line at 501-371-4829. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311.