Wilmington, DE Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Wilmington, DE?
| Regulation | Details for Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (302) 654-5151 |
Residential: 11 PM - 7 AM (weekdays), 12 AM (midnight) - 7 AM (weekends). General prohibitions on noise disturbances apply outside these hours too.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Wilmington, DE Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington, DE's noise ordinance, Article III "Noise Control and Abatement," prohibits noise disturbances endangering health or annoying reasonable persons. Residential areas permit 65 dB during the day (7 AM-11 PM weekdays, until midnight weekends) and 55 dB at night. Commercial limits are 75 dB day/70 dB night, with Downtown at 75 dB day/65 dB night.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dB (7 AM - 11 PM weekdays, 7 AM - 12 AM weekends) | 55 dB (11 PM weekdays, 12 AM weekends - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | 75 dB | 70 dB |
Note: Downtown district has specific limits: 75 dB day, 65 dB night. Enforcement may use decibel meters, but 'plainly audible' criteria also apply.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating equipment for construction, drilling, or demolition work is generally prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or holidays, if it creates a noise disturbance in a residential area. Lawn maintenance equipment is restricted between 9 PM and 7 AM.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating radios, televisions, musical instruments, sound amplifiers, or similar devices in a manner that creates a noise disturbance within a receiving property, is plainly audible across real property boundaries or through common partitions, or plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from a motor vehicle, is prohibited. More permits are required for outdoor events with amplified music if noise levels exceed maximum limits. Selling perishable goods from a motor vehicle with amplified sound is restricted between 9 PM and 7 AM (June 1-August 31) and between 8 PM and 7 AM (September 1-May 31).
- Animals:
Owning, possessing, harboring, or controlling any animal or bird that barks, bays, cries, or squawks continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, thereby causing a noise disturbance within a receiving property, is unlawful, unless the animal was provoked by trespassing.
- Vehicles:
The use of motor vehicle horns and warning devices is limited to emergency situations. Repairing, rebuilding, testing, or racing the motor of any motor vehicle in a residential district between 9 PM and 8 AM is prohibited if it creates a noise disturbance. All vehicles must comply with applicable state regulations. Operating noise-producing devices on public transit vehicles without earplugs or earphones is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington, DE Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Wilmington, DE?
Residential: 11 PM - 7 AM (weekdays), 12 AM (midnight) - 7 AM (weekends). General prohibitions on noise disturbances apply outside these hours too.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Wilmington, DE?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dB (7 AM - 11 PM weekdays, 7 AM - 12 AM weekends) during the day and 55 dB (11 PM weekdays, 12 AM weekends - 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 Wilmington, DE?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Wilmington, DE police non-emergency line at (302) 654-5151. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (302) 576-3120.