New Bedford, MA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in New Bedford, MA?
| Regulation | Details for New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 508-991-6350 |
10PM-7AM (commercial establishments in residential areas); 11PM-7AM (automobile horns)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
New Bedford, MA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in New Bedford, MA?
New Bedford, MA noise ordinances, primarily found in Chapter 17, Sections 15 and 17 of the City's Code of Ordinances, regulate unnecessary noise. They prohibit excessive automobile horn blowing between 11 PM and 7 AM and restrict commercial establishment noise in residential areas from 10 PM to 7 AM. Amplified sound in public cannot exceed 70 dB at 15 feet. Habitual animal noise is also prohibited.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified in local ordinance | Not specified in local ordinance |
| Commercial | Not specified in local ordinance | Not specified in local ordinance |
Note: Amplified sound in public areas cannot exceed 70 dB(A) at 15 feet. Massachusetts state regulations (310 CMR 7.10) consider a noise violation if a source increases the broadband sound level by more than 10 dB(A) above ambient or produces a pure tone condition.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Not explicitly specified in local ordinance. Work in City Streets or Rights of Ways is prohibited from December 15th to April 1st without prior written approval. State guidelines often permit construction noise between 7 AM and 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays.
- Amplified Sound:
Playing portable radios, tape players, or other electronically amplified sound devices is prohibited from public buses, bus stops, public beaches, public parking lots, public streets, malls, stores, and any other public area when the sound exceeds 70 dB(A) at a distance of 15 feet. Motor vehicle radios or sound reproduction systems operated within a vehicle should not create unnecessary noise for anyone other than the driver and passengers.
- Animals:
The keeping or harboring of any dog or other animal which by habitual howling, yelping, barking, or other noise disturbs or annoys a considerable number of persons or neighborhood is unlawful and a public nuisance.
- Vehicles:
Unnecessary blowing of automobile horns is prohibited between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except in emergencies. Noises at commercial establishments in residential neighborhoods, including loading or unloading of motor vehicles, are prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if they menace health or disturb sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions about New Bedford, MA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in New Bedford, MA?
10PM-7AM (commercial establishments in residential areas); 11PM-7AM (automobile horns). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in New Bedford, MA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified in local ordinance during the day and Not specified in local ordinance 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 New Bedford, MA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the New Bedford, MA police non-emergency line at 508-991-6350. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 508-979-1520.