Salem, MA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Salem, MA?
| Regulation | Details for Salem, MA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 978-744-1212 |
Generally, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For amplified sound in the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and adjacent streets, 8:00 PM to 10:00 AM (68 dB limit). Dumpster filling/emptying is prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Construction noise is prohibited before 7:00 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Salem, MA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Salem, MA?
Salem, MA's Noise Control Ordinance (Chapter 22) regulates sound, especially in the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and adjacent areas, with decibel limits varying by time and location. General quiet hours are 11 PM to 7 AM, with specific restrictions on construction and amplified sound. Violations incur fines from $50 to $300, enforced by police, fire, or health officials.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified | Not specified |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: Noise levels from operations, including speakers, shall not increase the broadband sound level by more than ten (10) dB(A) above ambient levels measured at the property line. In the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and adjacent areas, specific amplified sound limits apply: 65 dB between 8 PM and 4 PM (Sun-Fri), and 8 PM to 11 AM (Fri-Sun); 68 dB between 4 PM and 8 PM (Mon-Fri) and 11 AM to 8 PM (weekends/holidays) in certain zones; and 78 dB or 79 dB during the same periods in other specific zones.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Work is generally limited to 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, unless approved by the City Engineer. No noise-making activities are allowed before 7:00 AM. No work is permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays without prior approval.
- Amplified Sound:
Prohibited from exceeding 65 decibels between 8 PM and 4 PM (Sunday 8 PM through Friday 4 PM), and between 8 PM Friday to 11 AM Saturday, and 8 PM Saturday to 11 AM Sunday in the Essex Street Mall and adjacent areas. Specific zones in the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall have limits of 68, 72, 78, or 79 decibels during certain daytime and weekend hours. Use of loudspeakers/amplifiers is generally prohibited on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October in specific areas, with an exception for October 31st from 4 PM to 10 PM.
- Animals:
The Animal Control Officer handles stray dogs, neighborhood nuisance problems, injured animals, and rabies concerns.
- Vehicles:
Unlawful to use compression, engine, dynamic, or mechanical exhaust brakes that create excessive, loud, or unusual noise, except in emergencies. Violation carries a $200 fine. In designated 'quiet zones,' sounding horns (except in emergencies) and making loud noise or playing music in vehicles are prohibited.
- Dumpsters:
Dumpsters shall not be filled or emptied between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless special circumstances are approved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salem, MA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Salem, MA?
Generally, 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. For amplified sound in the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and adjacent streets, 8:00 PM to 10:00 AM (68 dB limit). Dumpster filling/emptying is prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Construction noise is prohibited before 7:00 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Salem, MA?
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 Salem, MA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Salem, MA police non-emergency line at 978-744-1212. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 978-619-5641 (Inspectional Services Department).