Elizabeth, NJ Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Elizabeth, NJ?
| Regulation | Details for Elizabeth, NJ |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: Not specified |
Weekdays: generally 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for amplified sound and loudspeakers. Sundays/Legal Holidays: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for radios/TV/sound amplifiers, and 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. for loudspeakers. Street sales and shouting are restricted between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and until 9:00 a.m. on Sundays or holidays. New Jersey state law generally sets quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Elizabeth, NJ Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Elizabeth, NJ?
Elizabeth, NJ's noise control ordinance (Chapter 8.48) prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noise that annoys or disturbs. Specific quiet hours vary by noise source, with restrictions starting as early as 9:00 p.m. for amplified sound and ending by 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and later on weekends or holidays. The ordinance focuses on a 'plainly audible' standard rather than specific decibel limits.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 65 dBA (State guideline) | 50 dBA (State guideline) |
| Commercial | 65 dBA (State guideline) | 65 dBA (State guideline) |
Note: The Elizabeth, NJ noise ordinance primarily relies on a 'plainly audible' or 'noise disturbance' standard and does not specify local decibel limits approved by the NJDEP. New Jersey state regulations establish general sound level standards for stationary commercial and industrial sources and residential areas: 65 dBA during the day (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and 50 dBA at night (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) for residential receptors, and 65 dBA at all times for commercial/industrial receptors.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Not specified in Elizabeth's ordinance. State or county regulations may apply.
- Amplified Sound:
Operation of radios, television sets, musical instruments, drums, phonographs, or similar sound reproduction devices is prohibited if plainly audible or creating a noise disturbance across a property boundary or through common partitions between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on Sundays or legal holidays. Loudspeakers for commercial or non-commercial purposes are similarly restricted between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays or legal holidays.
- Animals:
Owning, keeping, possessing, or harboring any animal (dog, cat, bird, etc.) which, by frequent, continual, or habitual howling, barking, meowing, squawking, or other noise-making, causes a noise disturbance. This applies to public and private facilities including pounds, shelters, kennels, and pet shops.
- Vehicles:
The sounding of any horn or other signaling device on any motor vehicle is prohibited except as a danger warning or as required by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Act.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth, NJ Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Elizabeth, NJ?
Weekdays: generally 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for amplified sound and loudspeakers. Sundays/Legal Holidays: 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. for radios/TV/sound amplifiers, and 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. for loudspeakers. Street sales and shouting are restricted between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and until 9:00 a.m. on Sundays or holidays. New Jersey state law generally sets quiet hours from 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 Elizabeth, NJ?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 65 dBA (State guideline) during the day and 50 dBA (State guideline) 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 Elizabeth, NJ?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Elizabeth, NJ police non-emergency line at Not specified. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Not specified.