Alexandria, VA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Alexandria, VA?
| Regulation | Details for Alexandria, VA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 11PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 703-746-4444 |
Public places: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM. Residential (amplified sound/speakers): 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM if plainly audible 50 feet away. Dogs: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM if plainly audible in a residential dwelling with doors and windows closed.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Alexandria, VA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Alexandria, VA?
Alexandria, VA noise ordinances, detailed in City Code Section 11-5, prohibit unreasonably loud noise. Quiet hours are generally 11 PM to 7 AM for public areas. Residential noise is limited to 55 decibels at property lines, while commercial limits are 65 dB (day) and 60 dB (night). Violations can incur civil penalties from $50 to $500. Complaints are handled by the Police Department.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dB at property line | 55 dB at property line |
| Commercial | 65 dB at property line (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM) | 60 dB at property line (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM) |
Note: Industrial areas: up to 70 dB at property line. Public areas (Central Business District): 75 dB(A) (7:00 AM - 11:00 PM) for more than 60 seconds/hour or plainly audible at 50 feet; 65 dB(A) (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM) for more than 60 seconds/hour or plainly audible at 50 feet. General sound exceeding 70 dB at property line/50 feet from vehicle at any time, or 60 dB between 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Not permitted between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
- Amplified Sound:
Operation of radio, musical instrument, phonograph, or sound reproducing device prohibited between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible across property boundaries at a distance of 50 feet.
- Animals:
Dog barking, howling, or baying prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM if plainly audible in a residential dwelling with closed doors/windows. Between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM, prohibited if plainly audible across real property boundaries for more than five consecutive or non-consecutive minutes in any ten-minute period.
- Vehicles:
Continual sounding of horn, siren, or other signaling device, except in cases of imminent danger or emergency, is prohibited. General decibel limits also apply to motor vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alexandria, VA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Alexandria, VA?
Public places: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM. Residential (amplified sound/speakers): 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM if plainly audible 50 feet away. Dogs: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM if plainly audible in a residential dwelling with doors and windows closed.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Alexandria, VA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dB at property line during the day and 55 dB at property line 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 Alexandria, VA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Alexandria, VA police non-emergency line at 703-746-4444. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 703-746-4311 (Nuisance Abatement Hotline), 703-746-4065 (Office of Environmental Quality).