Nashville, TN Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Nashville, TN?
| Regulation | Details for Nashville, TN |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | See specific hours above |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 615-862-8600 (Metro Nashville Police Department) |
General residential quiet hours are typically between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends, although specific activities like construction and commercial operations have distinct regulations.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
615-862-8600 (Metro Nashville Police Department)How to file a complaint →Nashville, TN Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Nashville, TN?
Nashville, TN noise ordinances, primarily found in Title 9 of the Metropolitan Code, regulate excessive and amplified sound to ensure community peace. The Metro Nashville Police Department, Nashville Department of Transportation, and Department of Codes and Building Safety enforce these regulations, which include specific decibel limits for commercial and entertainment venues, restrictions on construction hours, and prohibitions on various vehicle and animal noises. Violations can result in escalating fines, beginning at $250, and potentially lead to business license revocation for repeat offenders.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified (generally 'plainly audible' is prohibited for sound amplification) | Outdoor amplified sound for entertainment events should not exceed 85 dB(A) at the nearest residentially occupied property boundary. |
| Commercial | Interior speakers during business hours should not produce sounds over 85 dB(A) at 50 feet from the outside wall. | Commercial activities should not emit noise exceeding 70 dB(A) near residential structures between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Outside business hours, interior speakers are limited to 70 dB(A) at the nearest public right-of-way or park boundary. |
Note: Decibel limits and 'plainly audible' standards vary based on zoning, source of noise, and time of day. Live music may be exempt from the 85 Db(A) limit for outdoor entertainment events.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General outdoor construction, repair, or demolition is prohibited between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM in most months, and between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM during June, July, and August, excluding specific industrial zones. Construction equipment noise exceeding 70 dB(A) is not allowed in or next to residential districts between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Special permits may be required for blasting and other noisy activities during restricted hours.
- Amplified Sound:
Unlawful to operate sound amplification equipment if 'plainly audible' from the boundary line of the nearest residentially occupied property, or from within another residential unit in multi-family structures. Outdoor amplified music for entertainment events is limited to 85 dB(A) at the nearest residential property line, with live music being an exception. Amplification devices mounted externally or operated outside the premises are generally unlawful. Prerecorded music is limited to 85 Db(A).
- Animals:
Unlawful for a pet to make continuous noise as defined in the ordinance (Sec. 92.15).
- Vehicles:
Operating motor vehicles without a functioning muffler, with modified/defective exhaust systems, or devices that amplify motor noise is prohibited. Exhaust noise 'plainly audible at two hundred feet' is unlawful. Operating sound amplification systems in vehicles that are plainly audible at 50 feet or more, or beyond the property line on private property, is prohibited. Unreasonable use of horns is also unlawful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville, TN Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Nashville, TN?
General residential quiet hours are typically between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays, and 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends, although specific activities like construction and commercial operations have distinct regulations.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Nashville, TN?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified (generally 'plainly audible' is prohibited for sound amplification) during the day and Outdoor amplified sound for entertainment events should not exceed 85 dB(A) at the nearest residentially occupied property boundary. 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 Nashville, TN?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Nashville, TN police non-emergency line at 615-862-8600 (Metro Nashville Police Department). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 615-862-6590.