Quiet Hours: Lowell vs Newton
How do quiet hours rules compare between Lowell, MA and Newton, MA?
Lowell and Newton have similar restriction levels.
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 →Newton, MA
Middlesex County
Newton prohibits unreasonable noise audible beyond property lines during nighttime hours, typically 10 PM to 7 AM, under the citys noise control ordinance enforced by Newton Police and ISD.
View full Newton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lowell | Newton |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Nighttime window | - | 10 PM to 7 AM residential |
| Authority | - | Ordinance Ch. 20 and MGL c.40 s.21 |
| Fines | - | Civil citations escalate with repeats |
| Reporting | - | Newton Police or 311 |
| Weekend | - | Extended quiet hours apply |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Newton FAQ
Can I call police about a loud party at 11 PM?
Yes, Newton Police respond to nighttime noise complaints and can issue citations for violations of Chapter 20.
Are there decibel limits?
Newton uses a reasonableness standard at property lines rather than a strict decibel meter reading for most complaints.
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