Newark, NJ Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Newark, NJ?
| Regulation | Details for Newark, NJ |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM (general, see specifics) |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 973-733-6000 |
Generally, a common nighttime restriction for many activities is 10 PM to 7 AM. However, amplified sound and loudspeakers are often restricted from 10 PM to 8 AM across residential property lines. Construction has specific prohibited hours, including 8 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, before 9 AM on Saturdays, and all day Sundays/legal holidays.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Newark, NJ Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Newark, NJ?
Newark, NJ's Noise Control Ordinance (Chapter 3/634) prohibits noise disturbances, defining them as sounds that endanger human/animal safety or health, or annoy a reasonable person. Specific restrictions are in place for various activities, including quiet hours for construction, amplified sound, and domestic tools, with penalties ranging from fines to misdemeanor charges for violations.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified in available ordinance text. | Not specified in available ordinance text. |
| Commercial | Not specified in available ordinance text. | Not specified in available ordinance text. |
Note: The state of New Jersey's general sound level standards for stationary commercial and industrial properties are 65 dBA during daytime (7 AM - 10 PM) and 50 dBA during nighttime (10 PM - 7 AM). Newark's ordinance must be more stringent than state regulations. For powered model vehicles in residential areas, maximum sound levels should not exceed 60 dBA measured at 50 feet during permitted operation. Air conditioning or air handling devices should not produce a sound level greater than 55 dBA at a residential property line, unless the operation causes less than a 5 dBA increase from the existing sound level. Motor vehicle horns exceeding 100 dBA at 25 feet are prohibited. Specific city decibel limits by receiving land use category are referenced in 'Table I' of the ordinance, but the table's content was not provided in the search results.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating tools or equipment for construction, drilling, or demolition work is prohibited between 8 PM and 7 AM on weekdays, before 9 AM on Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or legal holidays. Exceptions exist for emergency work, special variances, or when sound levels do not exceed applicable limits in Table I.
- Amplified Sound:
Operating radios, televisions, phonographs, drums, musical instruments, sound amplifiers, or similar devices in places of public entertainment that cause a noise disturbance across residential areas is prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and between 11 PM and 7 AM (Friday-Saturday), unless a special variance is issued. For non-commercial purposes, using loudspeakers or public address systems to create unnecessary noise across a residential real property line is prohibited between 10 PM and 8 AM the following day, unless a permit for a public performance, gathering, or parade has been obtained.
- Animals:
Owning, possessing, or harboring any animal or bird that frequently, or for a continued duration, howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds that create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary is prohibited. Specifically, a dog barking continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes constitutes a noise disturbance.
- Vehicles:
Prohibited acts include unnecessarily racing the motor of any vehicle or operating a motor vehicle with rapid acceleration from a stopped position that causes a loud, cracking or chattering exhaust noise, or tire squeals ('peeling'). Sounding any horn or other auditory signaling device on a motor vehicle except as a warning of danger is prohibited, and horns producing sound levels exceeding 100 dBA at 25 feet are forbidden. Removing or rendering inoperative any muffler on a motor vehicle or motorcycle is also prohibited, except for maintenance. Operating powered model vehicles that create a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary or in a public space is prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM.
- Other:
Loading, unloading, opening, closing, or handling boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans, or similar objects to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary is prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM. Operating mechanically powered saws, drills, sanders, grinders, lawn or garden tools, or similar outdoor devices in residential areas to cause a noise disturbance is prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM. Selling anything by shouting or outcry within any residential or commercial area is prohibited. The operation of sanitation or refuse collection equipment is restricted between 8 PM and 6 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and earlier than 8 AM on Sundays and legal holidays, except for emergency work or by variance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newark, NJ Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Newark, NJ?
Generally, a common nighttime restriction for many activities is 10 PM to 7 AM. However, amplified sound and loudspeakers are often restricted from 10 PM to 8 AM across residential property lines. Construction has specific prohibited hours, including 8 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, before 9 AM on Saturdays, and all day Sundays/legal holidays.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Newark, NJ?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified in available ordinance text. during the day and Not specified in available ordinance text. 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 Newark, NJ?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Newark, NJ police non-emergency line at 973-733-6000. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Not specified in available information..