Noise Code - DEP (2024)

FAQs

What is the penalty for noise code in NYC? ›

Section 24-237(a), non-emergency horn honking, has a minimum penalty of $350 and a maximum penalty of $3,000, including the default penalty. Section 24-233(b)(2), vehicle music, has a minimum penalty of $140 and a maximum penalty of $1,050, including the default penalty.

The Code lays down the permitted maximum noise limits on ships to protect seafarers against noise and contains detailed provisions on how to carry out the necessary measurements to ensure compliance with the noise levels.

A violation of the noise ordinance is a class 2 misdemeanor. In addition, if you have an approved amplified noise permit, two violations of the noise ordinance will result in the cancellation of the permit for a six-month period of time.

Quiet Hours NYC- Again, according to local laws, quiet hours in NYC are from 10 pm to 7 am. There can be fines in place for those found violating these laws.

If your neighbor keeps disturbing you, you can sue, and ask the court for money damages or to order the neighbor to stop the noise ("abate the nuisance," in legal terms).

Report a noisy neighbor.

Officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) will respond within 8 hours when they are not handling emergencies. They will be able to take action if the noise is still happening when they arrive.

1 The Code is designed to provide standards to prevent the occurrence of potentially hazardous noise levels on board ships and to provide standards for an acceptable environment for seafarers.

Complaints about a barking dog are handled by a different department than construction noise. 311 can direct you, but you'll be better served if you get there yourself. Here's a list of all NYC noise complaint categories with links to register a noise complaint online.

The best way to measure noise levels is to use a dedicated sound level meter, but there are also several sound meter apps that allow you to measure noise using Android or iOS devices, such as iPhones.

There is no fixed level of noise that constitutes a statutory nuisance. Individual circ*mstances differ and each case is judged on its merits.

Is noise considered unwanted sound? ›

Sound is defined as vibrations that travel through air or another medium that can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ears. Noise is defined as unwanted sound. In engineering, noise has the additional connotation of signals varying over time without meaning, whereas sound connotes meaningful signals.

Noise is unwanted sound. The difference between sound and noise depends upon the listener and the circ*mstances. Rock music can be pleasurable sound to one person and an annoying noise to another.

Most local ordinances include "quiet times." A typical ordinance prohibits loud noises between 11 p.m. and 7 or 8 a.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. or midnight until 8 to 10 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. It is worthwhile to check your local ordinance before making formal complaint so that you can cite the law.

The Noise Act 1996 defines night hours as 11pm to 7am. Local councils can issue warning notices about noise above permitted levels between these times. Noise doesn't necessarily need to be a 'statutory nuisance' for a warning notice to be issued. Some councils have 24-hour teams to deal with noise complaints.

80 dB - Police car siren, a noisy restaurant. 90 dB - Hairdryers, blenders, power tools. 100 dB - Motorcycles, hand dryers. 110 dB - Nightclubs, sporting events.

New York City's new "noise cameras" are now active, ready to hand out $800-plus tickets to drivers whose vehicles exceed 85 decibels.

According to the local noise ordinance laws, NYC quiet hours range from 10 pm to 7 am. Failure to abide by these rules can result in hefty fines. The New York City noise code also has special parameters for different types of noise. Here is a helpful guide to understanding NYC quiet hours.

In some states, driving with overly loud music on your car's radio is a traffic infraction. New York is not one of these states, though. Consequently, officers cannot write you a citation for blasting your music. They can cite you for disturbing the peace, however.

According to the New York City Noise Code, a citation is warranted if a vehicle can be heard “from 150 feet or more from a vehicle weighing less than 10,000 pounds or from 200 feet or more from a vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds or from 200 feet from a motorcycle.” The initial fine is $800 but can rise to ...