How New Bedford Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
New Bedford maintains 76 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where New Bedford falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
New Bedford bars playing portable radios, tape players, or other electronically amplified sound devices in public spaces above 70 decibels at 15 feet. Sec. 17-17 covers buses, bus stops, beaches, parking lots, streets, malls, and stores.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 17-17(a). Decibel threshold: 70 dB at 15 feet. Covered locations: Buses, beaches, streets, malls, stores, parking lots. First-offense fine: Up to $100.00. Escalation: Up to $300.00 for 3rd+ offense within a year.
A first violation of Sec. 17-17(a) draws a fine of up to $100.00; a second violation within one year of the first draws up to $200.00; and each subsequent violation within that one-year window draws up to $300.00, per the escalating schedule set out in subsection (d). Sound level is measured with a city-approved sound meter under subsection (b), and enforcement is handled by New Bedford police.
Quiet Hours
New Bedford prohibits blowing car horns from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. except in emergencies, and bans commercial-establishment noise that disturbs sleep in residential neighborhoods between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. under Sec. 17-15.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 17-15. Horn curfew: 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., no emergency exception waived. Commercial noise curfew: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in residential areas. Covered sounds: Loading/unloading, mechanical devices, animals, birds. Origin: Code 1963 § 14-103; amended 12-10-1981.
A car horn sounded without emergency cause between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., or commercial noise disturbing residential sleep between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., is enforced by New Bedford police responding to a complaint. Since Sec. 17-15 sets no unique dollar fine, penalties follow the Code's general penalty schedule in Section 1-9, and citations can be issued noncriminally under Section 17-18.
Barking Dogs
New Bedford declares a dog that habitually howls, yelps or barks enough to disturb a considerable number of neighbors a public nuisance, and after three complaints in a calendar year the dog officer or police must cite the owner under the city's ticketing bylaw.
Key details: Nuisance standard: Habitual barking disturbing a 'considerable number' of persons. Complaint threshold: 3 complaints in a calendar year triggers citation process. Each day: Counted as a separate offense. Citation authority: Section 17-18 ticketing bylaw. Enforcing officer: Dog officer or police department.
An owner who, after notice, neglects to remove or otherwise resolve a nuisance-barking dog can be cited under Section 17-18, the ticketing bylaw, and if convicted and still refuses to remove or kill the dog, the dog officer is directed to cause the dog to be killed. Once three verified complaints accumulate against an owner in a calendar year, a citation follows automatically upon a further verified complaint.
Vehicle Noise
New Bedford bars motor vehicle radios or sound systems from creating unnecessary noise for anyone other than the driver and passengers of that vehicle. Sec. 17-17(c) sets the rule, with fines up to $300 for repeat offenders.
Key details: Governing section: Code of Ordinances § 17-17(c). Standard: No unnecessary noise beyond driver/passengers. First-offense fine: Up to $100.00. Escalation: Up to $300.00 for 3rd+ offense within a year. Origin: Ordinance of 9-12-1985, amended 1987 and 1994.
A first violation of the vehicle sound-system rule in Sec. 17-17(c) draws a fine of up to $100.00, escalating to up to $200.00 for a second offense within one year, and up to $300.00 for each further offense within that year, per the shared penalty schedule in subsection (d). Police can cite a driver whose car stereo is audible and disruptive to bystanders outside the vehicle.
The rules around vehicle noise in New Bedford lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
The Bottom Line
New Bedford's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming New Bedford is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on New Bedford's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.