Noise Ordinances in Carteret County, NC (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Carteret County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Unincorporated Carteret County's noise ordinance restricts loud, disturbing noise most heavily between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Sec. 10-1(c), when it is detrimental to an ordinary person more than 50 feet from the source. Violators first get an officer's warning, then face misdemeanor fines starting at $50.00.
Quiet Hours Ordinance in Carteret County
Some RestrictionsCarteret County Code § 10-1(c)
(c)Restrictions on prohibition. Creation of the noise described in subsection (a) above is prohibited only under the following circumstances:(1)The noise is of such character, intensity and duration as to be detrimental to health, safety or welfare of an individual with normal hearing and of normal sensibilities at a distance greater than 50 feet from the source of such noise, and(2)The noise i...
Barking Dogs
Unincorporated Carteret County makes it unlawful to keep a dog or other animal that habitually barks, whines or howls enough to interfere with a neighbor's use and enjoyment of their property under Sec. 10-1(b)(5). An exception protects owners whose neighbors moved within 50 feet of an existing dog pen after May 8, 2006.
Barking Dog Nuisance Law in Carteret County
Some RestrictionsCarteret County Code § 10-1(b)(5)
(5)It shall be unlawful for any dog owner or other type animal owner to keep or have a dog or other type animal that habitually or repeatedly barks, whines, howls, crows, cackles, or any other noise that might interfere with the reasonable use and enjoyment of neighboring premises. This provision to the noise ordinance will not apply to an individual, firm or corporation who has moved or locate...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In unincorporated Carteret County, playing a radio, stereo or other sound equipment loud enough to annoy or disturb neighbors violates Sec. 10-1(b)(3). Vehicle stereo noise audible 30 feet away is presumed unreasonably loud under Sec. 10-1(b)(6), and both fall under the county's general noise ordinance.
Amplified Sound Rules in Carteret County
Some RestrictionsCarteret County Code § 10-1(b)(3), (b)(6)
(3)The playing of any radio, phonograph, musical instrument or any other machine or device for the production or reproduction of sound in such manner or with such volume, as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence. ... (6)The playing of any radio, cassette player, compact disc, videotape or disc or other similar device for...
Vehicle Noise
In unincorporated Carteret County, running a car, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair or overloaded that it creates loud grating, grinding or rattling noise violates the county noise ordinance. The rule sits inside the broader loud-noise ban enforced by the Sheriff's Office, and a first violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor carrying up to a $50.00 fine.
Carteret County Out-of-Repair Vehicle Noise Ban
Some RestrictionsCarteret County Code § 10-1(a), (b)(4), (e)(2)
it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to make, permit, continue or cause to be made or to create any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the county ... The use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, or so loaded in such manner as to create loud grating, grinding, rattling or other noise. ... If any person or persons shall violate this sectio...
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