Hartford, CT Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Hartford, CT?
| Regulation | Details for Hartford, CT |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM Mon-Sat, 10PM-9AM Sun |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (860) 757-4000 |
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, Sunday evening through Saturday morning; 10:00 PM Saturday to 9:00 AM Sunday.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Hartford, CT Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Hartford, CT?
Hartford, CT noise ordinances, found primarily in Chapter 23 of the Municipal Code, prohibit any noise plainly audible at a distance of 100 feet from its source. Specific quiet hours are enforced, and impulse noise has decibel limits. Violations may result in fines, community service, or imprisonment, underscoring the city's commitment to maintaining peace and welfare for its residents.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified directly in dBA, but noise must not be plainly audible at 100 feet; impulse noise not to exceed 80 dBA peak sound pressure level during nighttime. No source to exceed 80 dBA at any time if exceeding background noise by 5 dBA. | Not specified directly in dBA, but noise must not be plainly audible at 100 feet; impulse noise not to exceed 80 dBA peak sound pressure level. No source to exceed 80 dBA at any time if exceeding background noise by 5 dBA. |
| Commercial | Not specified directly in dBA, but noise must not be plainly audible at 100 feet. No source to exceed 80 dBA at any time if exceeding background noise by 5 dBA. | Not specified directly in dBA, but noise must not be plainly audible at 100 feet. No source to exceed 80 dBA at any time if exceeding background noise by 5 dBA. |
Note: The ordinance generally states that noise exceeding the standards in Section 23-3 or plainly audible at 100 feet is prohibited. Impulse noise has a peak limit of 100 dB at any time to any zone. If background noise exceeds standards, a source is excessive if it's 5 dBA higher, provided it does not exceed 80 dBA at any time.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General 'Day' hours are 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sundays. Specific noise exemptions for construction activity are not clearly detailed beyond these general 'Day' definitions in the provided Hartford ordinance, but 'Construction equipment' is defined.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating a loud amplification device or similar equipment in a motor or recreational vehicle is prohibited if plainly audible at 100 feet, unless a permit has been obtained from the Hartford Police Department.
- Animals:
It is unlawful to keep an animal that causes frequent or long-continued noise, disturbing the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity, as this is considered a public nuisance.
- Vehicles:
Motor and recreational vehicles are subject to noise standards and decibel levels outlined in Title 14, Section 14-80a of the Connecticut General Statutes. Vehicle horns should only be sounded as a warning to prevent traffic accidents. Loud amplification devices in vehicles are restricted if audible at 100 feet without a police permit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartford, CT Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Hartford, CT?
10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, Sunday evening through Saturday morning; 10:00 PM Saturday to 9:00 AM Sunday.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Hartford, CT?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified directly in dBA, but noise must not be plainly audible at 100 feet; impulse noise not to exceed 80 dBA peak sound pressure level during nighttime. No source to exceed 80 dBA at any time if exceeding background noise by 5 dBA. during the day and Not specified directly in dBA, but noise must not be plainly audible at 100 feet; impulse noise not to exceed 80 dBA peak sound pressure level. No source to exceed 80 dBA at any time if exceeding background noise by 5 dBA. 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 Hartford, CT?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Hartford, CT police non-emergency line at (860) 757-4000. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (860) 757-9311 (Hartford 311).