Atlantic City, NJ Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Atlantic City, NJ?
| Regulation | Details for Atlantic City, NJ |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 609-347-5780 |
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Atlantic City, NJ Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Atlantic City, NJ?
Atlantic City, NJ noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 186, prohibit excessive sound to maintain peace. General quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with specific restrictions for activities like construction, power tools, and amplified sound. Decibel limits for residential areas are set at 60 dB during the day and 50 dB at night. Violations can lead to significant fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 60 dB | 50 dB |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: Residential decibel limits are 60 dB until 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.. New Jersey state regulations generally set residential limits at 65 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, and commercial/industrial at 65 dBA constant; Atlantic City's local ordinance is more stringent for residential daytime noise. Statewide standards for stationary commercial and industrial properties are 65 dBA daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 50 dBA nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Impulsive sound between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. shall not exceed 80 decibels. Between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., impulsive sound occurring less than four times in any hour shall not exceed 80 decibels; if it repeats four or more times in an hour, it is measured as continuous sound.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and demolition activity, excluding emergency work, shall not be performed between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, or between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, unless such activities can meet specified sound limits. All motorized equipment used must be operated with a muffler and/or sound reduction device.
- Amplified Sound:
Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification equipment shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.. It shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.. Self-contained, portable, nonvehicular music on public spaces shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and not plainly audible at 25 feet between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
- Animals:
It is unlawful for any property owner or tenant to allow any domesticated or caged animal to create a sound across a real property line which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of any resident, or to refuse or intentionally fail to cease the unreasonable noise when ordered to do so. Vocalizing for 20 minutes intermittently (defined as an average of two vocalizations or more per minute in that period) is considered unreasonable. Chapter 121 of the City Code addresses noise from dogs and other animals.
- Vehicles:
Motorcycles must have a muffler complying with federal noise regulations (40 CFR Part 205). New Jersey state law establishes penalties for motor vehicle noise violations and is managed by the NJDEP.
- Power Tools/Landscaping:
Excluding emergency work, power tools, home maintenance tools, landscaping and/or yard maintenance equipment used by a residential property owner or tenant shall not be operated between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., unless applicable sound limits are met. All motorized equipment must be operated with a muffler or sound reduction device.
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlantic City, NJ Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Atlantic City, NJ?
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Atlantic City, NJ?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 60 dB during the day and 50 dB 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 Atlantic City, NJ?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Atlantic City, NJ police non-emergency line at 609-347-5780. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 609-347-6450.