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Upper Darby, 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

Loading noise curfew
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Idling rule
No unnecessary idling while loading/unloading
Refrigeration exception
Reefer units exempt from idling ban
Citation authority
Police, Health Officer, L&I

Summary

Upper Darby bars loading, unloading or handling boxes, crates and containers between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if it causes a noise disturbance, and separately bars letting a commercial vehicle's engine idle unnecessarily during loading or unloading at any hour, with an exception for refrigeration units.

Loading, unloading, opening or otherwise handling boxes, crates, containers, garbage cans or other similar objects between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance.

View official code

Full Breakdown

the following day in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance" is a specific prohibition under the chapter. This covers the classic delivery-truck complaint: pallet jacks, roll-cage containers and dumpster lids banging outside a store or restaurant overnight. " That idling rule carries an explicit carve-out for a vehicle using its engine to power adjunct refrigeration equipment preserving food products being delivered. Both provisions sit under the general enforcement scheme of § 373-2 through § 373-4: Police, the Health Officer, or Licenses and Inspections can issue a written correction notice under § 373-3 before escalating to a summons, and the general nuisance-level prohibition in § 373-5 can be charged in tandem where the noise disturbance standard is met.

Violations & Fines

A violation of § 373-6E or § 373-6M is a summary offense punishable by citation under § 373-12. Where the noise source is not a moving vehicle, enforcement may first serve a written notice under § 373-3 specifying a correction period; noncompliance is a separate violation. Repeated violations may be abated as a public nuisance under § 373-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a delivery truck bang crates outside my house late at night in Upper Darby?
Not between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Section 373-6E of the Township Code bars loading, unloading or handling boxes, crates, containers or garbage cans in that window if it causes a noise disturbance.
Is it illegal for a delivery truck to sit and idle outside a store?
Yes, if it's loading or unloading. Section 373-6M(1) bars letting a commercial vehicle idle or run unnecessarily while stationary during or in anticipation of loading, regardless of the decibel level, unless the engine is powering refrigeration equipment for food being delivered.
Does the refrigeration exception cover all idling?
No. Section 373-6M(1) exempts only a vehicle using its engine as the main power source for adjunct refrigeration equipment preserving food products being delivered; ordinary engine idling to keep the cab running is not covered.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Upper Darby

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Upper Darby rules

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