Austin, TX Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Austin, TX?
| Regulation | Details for Austin, TX |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10:30PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000 if outside Austin city limits) |
General unreasonable noise is prohibited between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM. For amplified sound on residential property, it must not be audible beyond the property line from 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000 if outside Austin city limits)How to file a complaint →Austin, TX Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Austin, TX?
Austin, TX noise ordinances, primarily Austin City Code Chapter 9-2, prohibit unreasonable noise generally between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM. Amplified sound on residential property must not be audible beyond the property line from 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM, and is limited to 75 dB during the day. Construction hours are restricted to 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Violations can result in fines up to $500, with construction violations carrying fines up to $5,000.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 75 dB (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM for amplified sound) | Not audible beyond property line (10:00 PM - 10:00 AM for amplified sound) |
| Commercial | 85 dB (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM for amplification devices at permanent business/private residence boundary line) | 80 dB (10:00 PM - 2:00 AM for amplification devices at permanent business/private residence boundary line) |
Note: General residential noise levels may be around 70 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. Mechanical equipment noise is limited to 70 dB at the property line. Construction noise is permitted up to 85 dBA at 50 feet distance from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
General construction and demolition hours are 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Noise typically limited to <= 85 dBA at 50 feet during these hours. No construction is permitted on New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 14th (Independence Day), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Outside permissible hours, work must meet baseline decibel limits, and concrete or special operations may require permits.
- Amplified Sound:
On residential property, amplified sound is permitted at <= 75 dB from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM; it must not be audible beyond the property line from 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM. Commercial and non-residential establishments require permits for outdoor amplified sound, with varying decibel limits and hours. No permit for amplified sound is issued within 100 feet of residential property (exceptions apply for public parks or street closures) or within 300 feet of a school or church. It is unlawful to operate loud-speaking devices on public sidewalks or streets before 7:00 AM or after 10:30 PM.
- Animals:
Nuisance barking dog complaints can be filed.
- Vehicles:
It is unlawful to create a sound or vibration more than 30 feet from a vehicle when related to vehicular sound amplification systems.
Frequently Asked Questions about Austin, TX Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Austin, TX?
General unreasonable noise is prohibited between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM. For amplified sound on residential property, it must not be audible beyond the property line from 10:00 PM to 10:00 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Austin, TX?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 75 dB (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM for amplified sound) during the day and Not audible beyond property line (10:00 PM - 10:00 AM for amplified sound) 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 Austin, TX?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Austin, TX police non-emergency line at 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000 if outside Austin city limits). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 3-1-1 (or 512-974-2000 if outside Austin city limits), Code Connect: 512-974-2633.