Camden, NJ Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Camden, NJ?
| Regulation | Details for Camden, NJ |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-8AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (856) 757-7400 |
Generally, amplified sound is restricted from being plainly audible at residential property lines between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Construction and demolition activities are prohibited between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM on weekends and federal holidays, unless specific sound limits are met. Noncommercial power tools and landscaping equipment operation is restricted between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Camden, NJ Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Camden, NJ?
Camden, NJ noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 371, regulate excessive sound to protect public welfare. Key restrictions include specific quiet hours for construction, landscaping, and amplified music. Noise exceeding statewide and local decibel limits, particularly in residential areas at night, is prohibited. Enforcement ensures community peace and addresses various noise disturbances.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dBA | 50 dBA |
| Commercial | 65 dBA | 65 dBA |
Note: Statewide sound level standards for stationary commercial and industrial properties are 65 dBA during the day (7:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 50 dBA at night (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM). Impulsive sound shall not exceed 80 decibels at any time. Domestic power tools, lawn mowers, and agricultural equipment should produce less than 85 dBA at or within any residential property line between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekdays, and 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekends/holidays.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and demolition activity, excluding emergency work, is not permitted between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays or between 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM on weekends and federal holidays, unless such activities can meet the specified sound limits. All motorized equipment used must be operated with a muffler.
- Amplified Sound:
Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in a manner that is plainly audible at a residential property line between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Self-contained, portable, hand-held music equipment in public spaces shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM; between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM, it should only be plainly audible by the operator. Establishments licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages are restricted from having open doors and windows.
- Animals:
Exterior burglar alarms for buildings or motor vehicles must terminate operation within five minutes for continuous airborne sound and 15 minutes for impulsive sound after activation.
- Vehicles:
The sounding of any horn or signaling device on a vehicle, except as a danger warning, is unlawful if unreasonably loud or for an unnecessary period. Vehicular music amplification has specific quiet hours. Motorized snowblowers, snow throwers, and lawn equipment with attached snowplows must be operated with a muffler.
Frequently Asked Questions about Camden, NJ Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Camden, NJ?
Generally, amplified sound is restricted from being plainly audible at residential property lines between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. Construction and demolition activities are prohibited between 6:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM on weekends and federal holidays, unless specific sound limits are met. Noncommercial power tools and landscaping equipment operation is restricted between 8:00 PM and 8:00 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Camden, NJ?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dBA during the day and 50 dBA 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 Camden, NJ?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Camden, NJ police non-emergency line at (856) 757-7400. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (856) 757-7345 (Main Code Enforcement) or (856) 757-7032 (Building Bureau).