What are the quiet hours in Baltimore, MD?

In Baltimore, MD, designated quiet hours are typically 9PM-7AM. During these times, noise must be kept to a minimum.

Baltimore, MD Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]

When are quiet hours in Baltimore, MD?

Regulation	Details for Baltimore, MD
Quiet Hours	9PM-7AM
Weekends	See specific hours above
Enforcement	Police Non-Emergency: 311 (general non-emergency); 410-637-8875 (BPD Telephone Reporting Unit, 7 AM - 10 PM daily)

Weekdays: General quiet from 10 PM to 7 AM, with residential limits for noise above 50 dBA from 9 PM to 7 AM. Weekends and legal holidays: General quiet from midnight to 7 AM. Noisy hours are generally 7 AM to 9 PM Monday-Friday and 10 AM to 10 PM on weekends/holidays, allowing louder sounds.

Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.

Who To Call (Non-Emergency)

311 (general non-emergency); 410-637-8875 (BPD Telephone Reporting Unit, 7 AM - 10 PM daily)How to file a complaint →

Baltimore, MD Noise Rules

Verified 2026

What is the noise ordinance in Baltimore, MD?

Baltimore, MD noise ordinances prohibit excessive sound, setting decibel limits across zones. The Baltimore City Noise Ordinance (Health Code, Title 9) and the Neighborhood Nuisance Law (Article 19, Subtitle 43B) define quiet hours and specific restrictions for activities like construction and amplified sound. Violations incur fines, potentially up to $1,000, and may lead to eviction notices for tenants.

Decibel Limit Comparison

Decibel limits for residential and commercial zones in Baltimore, MD
Zone Type	Day	Night
Residential	55 dB (at property line between two residential properties, 7 AM - 9 PM)	50 dBA (at property line, 9 PM - 7 AM)
Commercial	61 dB (at property line between two commercial properties); 58 dB (at property line between commercial and residential zone)	Not specified (night limits likely follow general quiet hours for residential interface)

Note: Manufacturing limits: 75 dB between two manufacturing properties; 70 dB between manufacturing and commercial/residential zones. Air conditioners up to 70 dB, heat pumps up to 75 dB at property line. Short, louder sounds are permitted for limited durations (e.g., +5 dB for 12 min, +10 dB for 3 min, +15 dB for 30 seconds). Temporary exemptions can allow exceeding by up to 25 dB.

Specific Restrictions

Construction:
Permitted daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Noise audible within 50 feet or in a residence outside these hours should be reported to the Police Department.
Amplified Sound:
Entertainment noise (e.g., radios) heard more than 50 feet from its source, or 100 feet from inside a building, can lead to arrest if the offender refuses to desist. Commercial advertising noise (e.g., bullhorns) heard more than 100 feet from the premises requires a warrant or criminal summons for enforcement.
Animals:
Loud and excessively barking dogs are considered unacceptable behavior. Report animal cruelty or neglect to 311.
Vehicles:
Noncommercial vehicle repairs and the use of power tools are allowed to be louder than normal limits between 7 AM and 9 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM to 10 PM on weekends and legal holidays in residential zones. Using car horns to announce arrival is considered unacceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baltimore, MD Noise Rules

What are the designated quiet hours in Baltimore, MD?

How loud can I play music in Baltimore, MD?

Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dB (at property line between two residential properties, 7 AM - 9 PM) during the day and 50 dBA (at property line, 9 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 Baltimore, MD?

For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Baltimore, MD police non-emergency line at 311 (general non-emergency); 410-637-8875 (BPD Telephone Reporting Unit, 7 AM - 10 PM daily). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 (for property maintenance complaints).

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