Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Reading, PA Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Curfew window
10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Covers
Boxes, crates, containers, garbage cans
Exemption
Municipal and utility services
Enforced by
Reading Police Department

Summary

Loading or unloading boxes, crates, containers, building materials and garbage cans between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is barred in Reading if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line.

Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans, or similar objects between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential property line (boundary). This Subsection E shall not apply to municipal or utility services in or about the public right-of-way.

F.   Animals and birds. Owning, possessing, harboring or controlling any animal or bird which howls, barks, meows, squawks, or makes other sounds continuously and/or incessantly for a period of 10 minutes or makes such noise intermittently for 1/2 hour or more to the disturbance of any person at any time of the day or night regardless of whether the animal or bird is situated in or upon private property; provided, however, that at the time the animal or bird is making such noise, no person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property in or upon which the animal or bird is situated or for any other legitimate cause which teased or provoked the animal or bird.

G.   Powered model vehicles. Operating or permitting the operation of powered model vehicles so as to create a noise disturbance across a residential property line (boundary) between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

H.   Street sales. Offering for sale or selling by shouting or outcry or by any other amplified or unamplified sound within any residential or commercial area of the City.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Section 387-104.E of Reading's noise ordinance bars loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following day, when doing so creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line. This is the provision that catches most delivery-related and trash-collection noise, since it targets the handling activity itself rather than any particular vehicle. Municipal and utility services working in or about the public right-of-way are expressly exempt. The Reading Police Department enforces the chapter.

Violations & Fines

A violation carries a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs; unpaid fines can mean up to 30 days in jail, and each day of violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can delivery trucks unload overnight in Reading?
Loading or unloading boxes, crates, containers and similar objects between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is barred if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line; municipal and utility service work is exempt.
Does the rule name delivery trucks specifically?
No, § 387-104.E covers the loading and unloading activity itself (boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans) regardless of vehicle type, which is what generates most delivery-related noise complaints.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reading

All Reading rules

Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise from specific sources overview

Get notified when Delivery Truck Noise in Reading, PA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.