Raleigh, NC Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Raleigh, NC?
| Regulation | Details for Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 919-829-1911 |
Generally 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Construction noise in residential or business districts is restricted between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM. Commercial amplified sound limits shift at 10 PM (Sun-Thurs) and 11 PM (Fri-Sat), and amplified sound should not be plainly audible from 25 feet between 2 AM and 10 AM citywide.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Raleigh, NC Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Raleigh, NC?
Raleigh, NC noise ordinances (City Code Part 12, Chapter 5) prohibit unreasonably loud or raucous noise. Quiet hours are generally 11 PM to 7 AM. New commercial amplified sound regulations, effective January 1, 2026, set specific decibel limits based on time, day, and location, departing from the prior 'reasonable person' standard. Construction is restricted from 8:30 PM to 7 AM. Penalties apply.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Subject to 'plainly audible unreasonably loud or raucous noise' standard. | Subject to 'plainly audible unreasonably loud or raucous noise' standard, particularly affecting quiet, comfort, or repose. |
| Commercial | Ranges apply, e.g., Citywide: 70 dB(A) and 75 dB(C) (10 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thurs, 10 AM - 11 PM Fri-Sat); Glenwood South: 80 dB(A) and 88 dB(C) (10 AM - 10 PM Sun-Thurs), 82 dB(A) and 92 dB(C) (10 AM - midnight Fri-Sat). With permit, Citywide up to 80 dB(A) and 88 dB(C). | Ranges apply, e.g., Citywide: 55 dB(A) and 60 dB(C) (starting 10 PM Sun-Thurs, 11 PM Fri-Sat); Glenwood South: 75 dB(A) and 80 dB(C) (10 PM - 2 AM Sun-Thurs), 80 dB(A) and 88 dB(C) (midnight - 2 AM Sat-Sun). Between 2 AM and 10 AM, amplified sound should not be plainly audible from 25 feet. |
Note: Raleigh City Council approved new amplified noise ordinance with specific decibel limits for commercial establishments, effective January 1, 2026, replacing the previous 'reasonable person' standard for these sources. General noise still uses a 'reasonable person' standard. Sound magnification on streets is limited to 55 dB(A).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Erection, demolition, alteration, or repair of buildings in residential or business districts is prohibited between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM, unless by permit from the building inspector. Emergency work is exempt.
- Amplified Sound:
Playing any radio, phonograph, amplifier, television, stereo, tape deck, tape recorder, musical instrument, or similar device with such volume during nighttime hours as to annoy or disturb residents is prohibited. Operating a sound amplifier on public property or vehicular areas is prohibited if plainly audible from 50 feet. Sound magnification on streets over 55 dB(A) is unlawful. New decibel limits for commercial establishments became effective January 1, 2026.
- Animals:
Unlawful to keep any animal that, by habitual or frequent sound (e.g., barking, howling), disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of any person.
- Vehicles:
Prohibitions include unnecessary horn sounding, gongs/sirens on non-emergency vehicles, vehicles so out of repair or modified as to create unreasonably loud noise plainly audible from 50 feet, and discharging exhaust without an effective muffler.
Frequently Asked Questions about Raleigh, NC Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Raleigh, NC?
Generally 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Construction noise in residential or business districts is restricted between 8:30 PM and 7:00 AM. Commercial amplified sound limits shift at 10 PM (Sun-Thurs) and 11 PM (Fri-Sat), and amplified sound should not be plainly audible from 25 feet between 2 AM and 10 AM citywide.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Raleigh, NC?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Subject to 'plainly audible unreasonably loud or raucous noise' standard. during the day and Subject to 'plainly audible unreasonably loud or raucous noise' standard, particularly affecting quiet, comfort, or repose. 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 Raleigh, NC?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Raleigh, NC police non-emergency line at 919-829-1911. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 919-996-2444.