Quiet Hours: Cambridge vs Lowell
How do quiet hours rules compare between Cambridge, MA and Lowell, MA?
Lowell has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Cambridge enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends under the Cambridge Noise Control Ordinance, Chapter 8.16 of the Municipal Code.
View full Cambridge rules →Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Lowell enforces nighttime quiet hours that restrict unreasonable noise in residential areas, authorized under MGL c.40 s.21 and enforced by Lowell Police and Code Enforcement.
View full Lowell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cambridge | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Quiet Hours | 10 PM to 7 AM | - |
| Weekend Quiet Hours | 10 PM to 9 AM | - |
| Code Chapter | Municipal Code Chapter 8.16 | - |
| State Authority | MGL c.40 s.21 | - |
| Reporting | Cambridge iReport / 311 | - |
| Quiet hours | - | 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. |
| Audibility rule | - | Plainly audible beyond 50 feet |
| State authority | - | MGL c.40 s.21 |
| Report to | - | Lowell 311 or LPD non-emergency |
| Max fine | - | Up to 300 dollars per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cambridge FAQ
Are weekend quiet hours different in Cambridge?
Yes. Weekends and holidays extend morning quiet hours until 9 AM instead of 7 AM, giving residents two extra hours of protection.
Who enforces noise complaints in Cambridge?
Cambridge Police handle live disturbances; Inspectional Services handles construction and equipment noise. Both accept reports through iReport.
Lowell FAQ
Are Sunday hours different?
No. Lowell applies the same 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. quiet hours every day of the week, though weekend enforcement tends to be complaint-driven.
Can I call police for a loud neighbor?
Yes. Call the Lowell Police non-emergency line at (978) 937-3200 or use Lowell 311. Officers can issue warnings or citations on scene.
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