Reading, PA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Reading, PA?
| Regulation | Details for Reading, PA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 610-655-6116 |
10PM-7AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Reading, PA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Reading, PA?
Reading, PA's Noise Ordinance, Chapter 387, prohibits noise disturbances that endanger health, annoy reasonable persons, or disrupt peace. Key restrictions include quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM for construction and amplified sound, with fines recently increased to a minimum of $100. Enforcement is primarily by the Police Department.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified directly in city ordinance | Not specified directly in city ordinance |
| Commercial | Not specified directly in city ordinance | Not specified directly in city ordinance |
Note: The City of Reading's ordinance for motor vehicles references Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 157, Established Sound Levels for specific decibel limits. Other noise disturbances are defined by their impact (e.g., endangering health, annoying a reasonable person, or being plainly audible across a property line during quiet hours).
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating construction tools or equipment, drilling, or demolition work is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day on weekdays and Saturdays, or at any time on Sundays or legal holidays, if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, except for emergency work. This also applies to domestic power tools.
- Amplified Sound:
Prohibited at any time if it causes a noise disturbance across a property line, or between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it is plainly audible across a property line, or audible on a public street for a distance of 50 feet from the source. Sound amplifying equipment on motor vehicles (sound trucks) must not exceed maximum permissible motor vehicle noise emissions.
- Animals:
Owning, possessing, harboring, or controlling any animal or bird that howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds continuously for 10 minutes or intermittently for 30 minutes or more, disturbing any person at any time of the day or night (unless provoked by trespass or legitimate cause).
- Vehicles:
Operation of public or private motor vehicles or motorcycles, or attached equipment, on a public right-of-way must not emit sound levels exceeding those set forth in Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 157, Established Sound Levels. Sound trucks are also regulated.
- Yelling/Shouting:
Engaging in loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing is prohibited on public streets between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Reading, PA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Reading, PA?
10PM-7AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Reading, PA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified directly in city ordinance during the day and Not specified directly in city ordinance 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 Reading, PA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Reading, PA police non-emergency line at 610-655-6116. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 1-877-727-3234.