Clifton, NJ Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Clifton, NJ?
| Regulation | Details for Clifton, NJ |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 973-470-5900 |
10PM-7AM (general); varies for specific activities.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Clifton, NJ Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Clifton, NJ?
Clifton, NJ's noise ordinance, Chapter 327, prohibits excessive sound detrimental to health, welfare, or peace, especially between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. It sets specific quiet hours for construction, power tools, amplified sound, and vehicle operations to preserve the quality of life. Violations can lead to civil penalties up to $2,000.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (refers to Tables I and II) | Not specified (refers to Tables I and II) |
| Commercial | Not specified (refers to Tables I and II) | Not specified (refers to Tables I and II) |
Note: The ordinance refers to 'Tables I and II' for maximum permissible sound levels, which are not detailed in the provided text. New Jersey state regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:29) establish sound level standards of 65 decibels during daytime and 50 decibels during nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) for stationary commercial and industrial sources. Impulsive sound shall not exceed 80 decibels at all times.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction and demolition (excluding emergency work) generally prohibited between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, unless activities meet limits in Tables I and II. For work in residential zones or adjacent to them, operations are prohibited before 8:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and before 9:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m. on Sundays, with homeowner exceptions on Sundays. Deliveries to construction sites are also restricted during these hours. Noncommercial/nonindustrial power tools and landscaping equipment cannot be operated between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. unless meeting Tables I and II. Commercial/industrial power tools and landscaping equipment are restricted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends/holidays near residential property, unless meeting Tables I and II.
- Amplified Sound:
Portable, hand-held music or sound equipment: not plainly audible at 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; only audible by operator between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification: not plainly audible at a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., or plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on vehicles for advertising/commercial purposes are prohibited without a specific police permit.
- Animals:
No person shall allow any dog or other animal to be left outdoors if it engages in periods of sustained barking, howling, crying, or other loud noises, especially between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Vehicles:
It is unlawful to excessively rev the engine of any motor vehicle between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if audible at 100 feet. Parking of omnibuses, school buses, pole trailers, road tractors, trailers, semi-trailers, truck tractors, and tow trucks is unlawful on streets between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions about Clifton, NJ Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Clifton, NJ?
10PM-7AM (general); varies for specific activities.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Clifton, NJ?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (refers to Tables I and II) during the day and Not specified (refers to Tables I and II) 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 Clifton, NJ?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Clifton, NJ police non-emergency line at 973-470-5900. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 973-470-5808.