Detroit, MI Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Detroit, MI?
| Regulation | Details for Detroit, MI |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM, 11PM-7AM (CBD Fri/Sat) |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: Not specified (report to Detroit Police Department) |
10 PM to 7 AM (General), 11 PM to 7 AM (Central Business District on Fridays and Saturdays)
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
Not specified (report to Detroit Police Department)How to file a complaint →Detroit, MI Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Detroit, MI?
Detroit, MI noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 16, Article I of the City Code, prohibit unreasonable noise disturbing public peace. These include restrictions on excessive sound from vehicles, amplified music, and animals. Stricter quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM, extending to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays in the Central Business District. Violations can lead to fines and/or jail time.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (focus on unreasonable disturbance and distance-based limits) | Not specified (focus on unreasonable disturbance and distance-based limits) |
| Commercial | Not specified (focus on unreasonable disturbance and distance-based limits) | Not specified (focus on unreasonable disturbance and distance-based limits) |
Note: The ordinance focuses on 'unreasonably loud or disturbing noise' and sets distance-based audibility limits for specific sound sources rather than explicit decibel levels for all zones. Motor vehicles have specific limits (e.g., 86 DBA if max speed <= 35 mph, 88 DBA stationary run-up test).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Use of heavy construction equipment (e.g., pile drivers, jackhammers) is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. In the Central Business District, this prohibition is from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Loading and unloading of vehicles are also restricted during these hours. Truck driving schools are not permitted to operate between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM or on Sundays.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating amplified sound from a motor vehicle is prohibited if audible beyond 10 feet. Outdoor speakers are restricted if audible beyond 50 feet from the source, or within 250 feet of a residential zone, with exceptions for intercommunication systems (9:00 AM-6:00 PM) and temporary permits. Street vendors are restricted from using noise-making devices audible over 300 feet or between 10:00 PM and 10:00 AM.
- Animals:
Animals are prohibited from creating unreasonable noise, such as habitual or repeated barking, howling, or yelping that disturbs the peace. Nuisance barking is specifically addressed between 10:00 PM and 6:30 AM, with no enforcement for barking during daylight hours.
- Vehicles:
It is unlawful to operate or play amplified sound from a motor vehicle audible at a distance greater than ten feet. It is also unlawful for any person in any vehicle to make a commotion or unnecessarily loud noises that disturb the peace. Selling, installing, or replacing a muffler or exhaust part that causes a motor vehicle to exceed established noise limits is prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit, MI Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Detroit, MI?
10 PM to 7 AM (General), 11 PM to 7 AM (Central Business District on Fridays and Saturdays). Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Detroit, MI?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (focus on unreasonable disturbance and distance-based limits) during the day and Not specified (focus on unreasonable disturbance and distance-based limits) 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 Detroit, MI?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Detroit, MI police non-emergency line at Not specified (report to Detroit Police Department). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Not specified.