Milwaukee, WI Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Time limit
- 5 minutes in one location
- Penalty class
- Class K: $150-$1,000 forfeiture
- Enforced by
- Health commissioner and police
- Applies to
- Trucks parked on public streets
Summary
Milwaukee bans running a compressor, air conditioner, or other noise-making device attached to a parked truck on a public street for more than 5 minutes if it disturbs nearby homes.
Air compressors, etc. The
operation, while parked upon the public streets,
alleys or thoroughfares in the city for more than 5
minutes in any one location, of any compressor,
air conditioner or other noise-making device
which is attached to any truck or other vehicle
when the noise of such equipment is of such
intensity to cause a nuisance, as defined herein,
to occupants of nearby residential dwellings.
b-2.
Sound-producing devices. The
operation of any radio, television, musical
instrument, compact disc or tape player,
phonograph or other machine or device for
producing or reproducing sound in such manner
as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the
neighboring occupants, or at any time with louder
volume than is necessary for convenient hearing
for voluntary listeners without hearing impairment
who are in the room, vehicle or area in which the
machine or device is operated.
b-3.
Distance of greater than 50 feet.
The operation of any radio, television, musical
instrument, compact disc or tape player,
phonograph or other machine or device in a
manner that tends to disturb the peace, quiet and
comfort of the neighboring occupants at a
distance of greater than 50 feet from the site,
building, structure or vehicle where the machine
or device is located.
b-4.
Disorderly conduct. Noises created
by human behavior which may also constitute
disorderly conduct.
Full Breakdown
Milwaukee's noise nuisance code treats a compressor, air conditioner, or other noise-making device attached to a truck or other vehicle as a public nuisance once it runs for more than 5 minutes in one location on a public street, alley, or thoroughfare and the noise is intense enough to bother occupants of nearby residential dwellings. The rule sits in the city's noise nuisance subchapter (Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 80, Subchapter 2) and is enforced by the health department commissioner, with s. 80-65-4 jointly enforceable by the commissioner and the chief of police. A violation is a Class K offense under s. 61-17, carrying a forfeiture of $150 to $1,000, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense and 6 to 40 days' imprisonment possible if the forfeiture goes unpaid.
Violations & Fines
Violating s. 80-65-4-b-1 is a Class K offense under s. 61-17: forfeiture of $150 to $1,000 per day, with 6 to 40 days' imprisonment on default of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a delivery truck run its refrigeration unit outside my house?
Who enforces Milwaukee's truck noise rule and what's the penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin noise from specific sources overview
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Delivery Truck Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle delivery truck noise.