Montgomery County, MD Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential nighttime limit
- 55 dBA
- Residential daytime limit
- 65 dBA
- Nighttime hours
- 9 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Environmental Protection
- First civil offense fine
- $500
Summary
Delivery-truck loading and unloading counts as noise under County law: it can't push sound past 55 dBA at night or 65 dBA by day on residential property, and it's a listed example of a Chapter 31B violation.
(c) Examples. The following examples illustrate common noise-producing acts that violate this section if they exceed the noise level standards set in subsection (a) or create a noise disturbance. The examples are illustrative only and do not limit or expand the noise level or noise disturbance standards of this section:
(1) Sounding a horn or other signaling device on any motor vehicle on private property except:
(A) in an emergency; or
(B) as a danger warning signal during daytime hours if the device complies with noise level limits.
(2) Operating a sound-producing device on public streets for commercial advertising or to attract public attention.
(3) Selling anything by outcry.
(4) Loading, unloading, opening, closing or otherwise handling containers, building materials, construction equipment, or similar objects.
(5) Operating a device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound.
(6) Allowing an animal to create a noise disturbance.
(7) Operating power equipment mounted on a motor vehicle or operating other devices powered by a generator or a motor vehicle. (1996 L.M.C., ch. 32, § 1; 2011 L.M.C., ch. 7 , § 1.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County's noise ordinance sets maximum sound levels for receiving property in a residential noise area at 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime (9 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays, 9 p.m.-9 a.m. weekends/holidays). Section 31B-5(c) lists loading, unloading, opening, closing, or otherwise handling containers or materials as an example act that violates the Chapter if it exceeds those levels or creates a "noise disturbance." The Department of Environmental Protection enforces Chapter 31B; the Police Department can also enforce by delegation.
Violations & Fines
Class A violation: up to $1,000 criminal fine or a $500 civil citation for a first offense, $750 for a repeat civil offense; each day is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a delivery truck unload at 6 a.m. in a residential area?
Who enforces truck noise complaints in Montgomery County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland noise from specific sources overview
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