Dallas, TX Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Dallas, TX?
| Regulation | Details for Dallas, TX |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: Call 311 (Police address residential noise issues). |
Quiet hours are not universally specified in Dallas. However, amplified sound near residences is restricted between sunset and 8:00 AM, and garbage collection is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM near residential uses. Proposed changes indicate amplified sound audible beyond a residence's property line would be prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
Call 311 (Police address residential noise issues).How to file a complaint →Dallas, TX Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Dallas, TX?
Dallas, TX noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 30, prohibit loud and disturbing noises or vibrations that offend ordinary sensibilities, rendering the enjoyment of life or property uncomfortable or interfering with public peace and comfort. This includes excessive vehicle noise, loud music, continuous animal noises, and construction outside designated hours.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified universally; however, noise exceeding 63 dBA is considered a violation when measured from another's separately owned residential property. | Not specified universally; for a specific planned development, 58 dBA from 11:30 PM until 7 AM. |
| Commercial | Mixed-use properties: 63 dBA; Light Industrial areas: 65 dBA. | Not specified |
Note: The Dallas noise ordinance generally defines loud noise as that which offends the “ordinary sensibilities of the inhabitants,” rather than by explicit decibel levels, though some specific provisions and proposed changes do include dBA limits.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building on or adjacent to a residential use is prohibited except between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Saturdays and legal holidays. Sunday construction is generally not permitted unless by exception.
- Amplified Sound:
No mechanical loudspeaker or sound amplifier may be operated within 150 feet of a residence's property line except between 8:00 AM and sunset. Amplified sound must not emit loud and raucous noise interfering with enjoyment of life or property or public peace. A proposed change would prohibit amplified sound audible beyond a residence's property line between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
- Animals:
The keeping of any animal or fowl that emits a loud and raucous noise is prohibited. Noise made by an animal is unreasonable if it continues for more than 15 consecutive minutes or exceeds the allowed sound pressure level in a residential district. Complaints can be filed via 311.
- Vehicles:
Prohibitions include sounding horns except as danger signals, operating vehicles so out of repair they emit loud noises, discharging exhaust without a muffler, and idling commercial motor vehicles for more than five consecutive minutes within 300 feet of any residential use. Operation of car stereos causing unreasonable disturbance and use of engine compression brakes are also prohibited.
- Garbage Collection:
Collection of garbage, waste, or refuse is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on or within 300 feet of any residential use.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dallas, TX Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Dallas, TX?
Quiet hours are not universally specified in Dallas. However, amplified sound near residences is restricted between sunset and 8:00 AM, and garbage collection is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM near residential uses. Proposed changes indicate amplified sound audible beyond a residence's property line would be prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Dallas, TX?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified universally; however, noise exceeding 63 dBA is considered a violation when measured from another's separately owned residential property. during the day and Not specified universally; for a specific planned development, 58 dBA from 11:30 PM until 7 AM. 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 Dallas, TX?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Dallas, TX police non-emergency line at Call 311 (Police address residential noise issues).. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at Call 311 (Code Compliance addresses commercial property noise and general nuisance complaints)..
Verified Sources
- localnoiselaws.com
- nonoise.org
- dallasparks.org
- wfaa.com
- scribd.com
- dallascityhall.com
- dallascityhall.com
- echobarrier.com
- uslegalforms.com
- centraltrack.com
- sunandsoundwindows.com
- dallascityhall.com
- simmonsandfletcher.com
- aaanimalcontrol.com
- candysdirt.com
- dallascounty.org
- dallascityhall.com
- bedallas90.org
- eb3construction.com
- dallasobserver.com
- dallascityhall.com
- dallasnews.com
- reddit.com