Los Angeles, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Los Angeles, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273) |
10 PM - 7 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Los Angeles, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles, CA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter XI of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, prohibit unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise disturbing the peace. Generally, noise should not exceed ambient levels by more than 5 dBA on adjacent residential properties. Quiet hours typically run from 10 PM to 7 AM, with specific and stricter regulations for activities like construction and amplified sound.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not to exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA (presumed ambient: 50 dBA from 7 AM - 10 PM) | Not to exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA (presumed ambient: 40 dBA from 10 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not to exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA | Not to exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA |
Note: A noise level increase of more than five (5) decibels above the ambient noise level is a violation. Powered equipment or hand tools are prohibited from exceeding 75 dBA at 50 feet between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Allowances for short-duration noise sources (occurring more than 5 but less than 15 minutes, or 5 minutes or less) may permit increases of 10-15 dBA above ambient during daytime hours (7 AM - 10 PM).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction and demolition work is prohibited between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays. On Saturdays, work is permitted from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. No construction or demolition activities are allowed on Sundays or federal holidays. Powered equipment for construction is limited to 75 dBA at 50 feet between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
- Amplified Sound:
Operation of sound amplifying equipment is prohibited for commercial purposes within 500 feet of any residential zone at any time. For non-commercial purposes in residential zones or within 500 feet, it is prohibited between 4:30 PM and 9:00 AM (with exceptions for school/church functions). Sound from amplified equipment should not be audible beyond 150-200 feet from the source in residential zones or within 500 feet. Only human speech or music are permitted sounds.
- Animals:
It is unlawful for any person to permit a dog to emit 'excessive noise' after the Department of Animal Services has issued a written notice. 'Excessive noise' for a dog may be defined as continuous barking for 10 minutes or intermittent barking for 30 minutes in a three-hour period. Factors like nature, frequency, volume, time of day/night, and number of affected neighbors are considered.
- Vehicles:
Loading or unloading any vehicle, or operating dollies, carts, forklifts, or other wheeled equipment causing impulsive or unnecessary noise, is unlawful between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM within 200 feet of any residential building. Repair, rebuilding, reconstruction, or dismantling of motor vehicles in a residential zone or within 500 feet thereof is prohibited between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM if it causes discomfort, is audible over 150 feet, or exceeds ambient noise by more than 5 dBA. Commercial collection or disposal of rubbish or garbage is prohibited in a residential zone or within 200 feet thereof between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Los Angeles, CA?
10 PM - 7 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Los Angeles, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not to exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA (presumed ambient: 50 dBA from 7 AM - 10 PM) during the day and Not to exceed ambient by more than 5 dBA (presumed ambient: 40 dBA from 10 PM - 7 AM) 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 Los Angeles, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Los Angeles, CA police non-emergency line at 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1-877-275-5273). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 3-1-1 (General City Services).