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Noise from Specific Sources in Bowling Green, KY (2026)

3 verified noise from specific sources rules for Bowling Green, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Car Alarm Limits

Bowling Green Code Sec. 9-3.04(a) exempts sirens and alarm systems from the general noise ordinance, but a burglar alarm that does not shut off within thirty minutes of activation is itself deemed a nuisance and unlawful under the same section.

Bowling Green KY Burglar Alarm Noise Rule

Light Restrictions

Bowling Green Code of Ordinances Sec. 9-3.04.a

Any siren, whistle, horn or bell lawfully used by emergency vehicles or any other alarm systems used in case of fire, collision, civil defense, police activity or imminent danger; provided, however, that burglar alarms not terminating within thirty (30) minutes after being activated shall be deemed a nuisance and unlawful.

Generator Noise

Bowling Green caps the noise from a Mobile Food Unit's generator at 80 decibels under Sec. 15-7.02(n), and bars amplified music entirely from street and sidewalk vending operations. Vendors are also subject to the City's general Noise Subchapter 9-3 and are encouraged, though not required, to use sound-absorbing equipment.

Bowling Green Food Truck Generator Noise Limit

Some Restrictions

Bowling Green Code of Ordinances Sec. 15-7.02(n)

All Mobile Food Units and Pushcarts shall be subject to Subchapter 9-3 (Noise) of the City of Bowling Green Code of Ordinances. Sound absorbing devices are recommended to contain or deflect the noise from generators. All Mobile Food Unit generators shall be rated at or below 80 decibels. Amplified music is not permitted.

Low-Frequency Bass Limits

In Bowling Green, Sec. 9-3.03(b) counts bass reverberations from a vehicle sound system toward the fifty-foot plainly-audible violation even when words or lyrics are not discernible, so low-frequency bass alone from a car stereo can violate the noise code.

Bowling Green KY Car Bass Reverberation Rule

Some Restrictions

Bowling Green Code of Ordinances Sec. 9-3.02, Sec. 9-3.03.b

"PLAINLY AUDIBLE" shall mean any human voice, music or any other sound produced by a sound amplification system upon or from within the vehicle which clearly can be heard at a distance of fifty (50') feet or more. ... Measurement standards shall be by human auditory senses based upon direct line of sight. Words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations are included.