Shreveport's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Shreveport, Louisiana, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Delivery Truck Noise

Shreveport doesn't give delivery and pick-up trucks their own noise rule; Sec. 58-28(a) folds them into the general noise ordinance, which caps sound at 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at residential property, 60 dBA at commercial property, measured at the receiving property line.

Key details: Covered explicitly: Pick-up and delivery trucks, Sec. 58-28(a). Residential ceiling: 55 dBA day, 50 dBA night. Commercial ceiling: 60 dBA day and night. Compliance test: 5 dBA over background, or table limit. First-offense penalty: Up to $500.00 or 30 days.

A delivery or pick-up truck whose noise exceeds the applicable dBA ceiling in Sec. 58-28(d), measured at the receiving property line, is subject to the same enforcement as any other noise-article violation under Sec. 58-35: up to $500.00 or 30 days in jail for a first offense, rising to $750.00/60 days for a second and $1,000.00/90 days for a third, plus available civil remedies including injunctive relief.

Bar & Nightclub Noise

Shreveport gives permitted bars, clubs and restaurants their own decibel ceiling instead of the standard residential/commercial limits. Sec. 58-28(d)(5)-(6) allows 75 dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 12:59 a.m. and 70 dBA overnight, for establishments both inside and outside the Downtown Entertainment District.

Key details: Daytime limit (bars/clubs): 75 dBA, 7:00 a.m. to 12:59 a.m.. Nighttime limit (bars/clubs): 70 dBA, 1:00 a.m. to 6:59 a.m.. Standard residential limit: 55 dBA day, 50 dBA night. First-offense penalty: Up to $500.00 or 30 days. Adopted: Ord. No. 145, 2023, 11-14-23.

Exceeding the applicable decibel ceiling, whether the 75/70 dBA nightlife allowance in Sec. 58-28(d)(5)-(6) or the general limits elsewhere in subsection (d), is enforced under Sec. 58-35: a first conviction carries a fine of up to $500.00 or up to 30 days in jail, or both; a second conviction rises to $750.00 or 60 days; and a third conviction reaches $1,000.00 or 90 days. The city can also seek injunctive relief and other civil remedies.

The Bottom Line

Shreveport's noise from specific sources 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 Shreveport is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Shreveport's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.