Queens, NY Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Queens, NY?
| Regulation | Details for Queens, NY |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK / 212-639-9675 outside NYC) |
Residential areas typically have stricter noise regulations between 10 PM and 7 AM. Commercial activities impacting residential sleeping areas must not exceed 45 dB(A) from 10 PM to 7 AM. Animal noise is restricted if continuous for 5 minutes or more between 10 PM and 7 AM, and 10 minutes or more between 7 AM and 10 PM. Construction is generally limited to weekdays 7 AM - 6 PM, with exceptions for owner-occupied residential work on weekends (10 AM - 4 PM) and permitted after-hours work. Lawn care devices are restricted before 8 AM and after 7 PM (or sunset, whichever is later) on weekdays, and between 9 AM - 6 PM on holidays and weekends. Amplified sound is prohibited after 10 PM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
311 (or 212-NEW-YORK / 212-639-9675 outside NYC)How to file a complaint →Queens, NY Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Queens, NY?
New York City's Noise Control Code, applicable in Queens, regulates excessive and unreasonable sounds to protect public health and welfare. It establishes specific decibel limits and time restrictions for various noise sources, including construction, commercial establishments, vehicles, and animal noise, with stricter rules generally enforced during nighttime hours to ensure residential peace. Violations can result in significant fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not explicitly stated as a general residential day limit beyond 'unreasonable noise'. | 45 dB(A) for commercial activities measured in residential sleeping areas (10 PM - 7 AM). Individual air conditioners and circulation devices not to exceed 42 dBA when measured three feet from an open window of a nearby residence, or 45 dB(A) inside the dwelling unit affected. |
| Commercial | Not explicitly stated as a general commercial day limit for all sources; however, commercial establishments shall not exceed 42 dBA as measured in any dwelling unit receiving the noise. | 45 dB(A) for activities associated with commercial establishments measured in sleeping areas of nearby residences (10 PM - 7 AM). Also, 42 dBA as measured in any dwelling unit receiving the noise (10 PM - 7 AM). |
Note: Decibel limits often depend on the specific noise source and measurement location. Outdoor amplified sound for events should not exceed 70 decibels. Bass sounds may not exceed 6 dB(C) above ambient if ambient is greater than 62 dB(C).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction and demolition activities are allowed on weekdays between 7 AM and 6 PM. Alterations or repairs to one- or two-family owner-occupied dwellings, convents, or rectories may occur on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM and 4 PM, provided they are 300 or more feet from a house of worship. Emergency work or work with an approved variance is exempt from these hours. A noise mitigation plan is required for construction projects. Noise from air compressors must not exceed 75 dB(A) at nearby sidewalks, pedestrian crossings or dwellings.
- Amplified Sound:
New York City noise codes prohibit amplification after 10 PM. Outdoor events playing music must limit sound levels to not exceed 70 decibels.
- Animals:
No person shall permit an animal under their control to cause unreasonable noise. Enforcement action may be taken if animal noise is plainly audible from a residential property for 10 continuous minutes or more between 7 AM and 10 PM, or 5 continuous minutes or more between 10 PM and 7 AM.
- Vehicles:
Vehicle muffler or exhaust systems are too loud if sound can be heard from 150 feet or more for vehicles under 10,000 pounds, or 200 feet or more for vehicles over 10,000 pounds and motorcycles, on public roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Non-emergency horn honking is prohibited. Food vending vehicles may only play jingles while in motion. Noise from refuse compacting vehicles is limited between 11 PM and 7 AM within 50 feet of residential property.
Frequently Asked Questions about Queens, NY Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Queens, NY?
Residential areas typically have stricter noise regulations between 10 PM and 7 AM. Commercial activities impacting residential sleeping areas must not exceed 45 dB(A) from 10 PM to 7 AM. Animal noise is restricted if continuous for 5 minutes or more between 10 PM and 7 AM, and 10 minutes or more between 7 AM and 10 PM. Construction is generally limited to weekdays 7 AM - 6 PM, with exceptions for owner-occupied residential work on weekends (10 AM - 4 PM) and permitted after-hours work. Lawn care devices are restricted before 8 AM and after 7 PM (or sunset, whichever is later) on weekdays, and between 9 AM - 6 PM on holidays and weekends. Amplified sound is prohibited after 10 PM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Queens, NY?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not explicitly stated as a general residential day limit beyond 'unreasonable noise'. during the day and 45 dB(A) for commercial activities measured in residential sleeping areas (10 PM - 7 AM). Individual air conditioners and circulation devices not to exceed 42 dBA when measured three feet from an open window of a nearby residence, or 45 dB(A) inside the dwelling unit affected. 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 Queens, NY?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Queens, NY police non-emergency line at 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK / 212-639-9675 outside NYC). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK / 212-639-9675 outside NYC), complaints directed to DEP or NYPD. DEP Customer Service: (718) 595-7000..