Bradenton, FL Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

The vehicle bass rule sits in the City of Bradenton Sound Control Ordinance in Chapter 38 of the Code. It covers amplified sound or vibration produced by a radio, tape player, CD player, or other mechanical sound making device or instrument from within or emanating from a motor vehicle. The line is 50 feet: if the sound is plainly audible from 50 feet from the source vehicle, or the vibration can be felt from the source vehicle, the driver is in violation. The vibration wording is what reaches low frequency bass, because a subwoofer thump counts even when no words or melody carry.

Section 38-154(a)(2)l sets three ground rules for deciding what is plainly audible. The primary means of detection is the officer's ordinary auditory senses, and the officer's hearing cannot be enhanced by any mechanical device. The officer must have a direct line of sight and hearing to the vehicle so the offending vehicle and the distance involved can be identified. The officer does not need to determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist.

The ordinance also has a meter-based track for stationary sources. Section 38-155 states its continuous limits in dBA/dBC and requires a sound level meter operating on the "A" and "C" weighting scale, with readings taken at the real property line. Those limits are separate from the 50-foot vehicle test. A person who needs relief for an event can apply to the city clerk for a temporary special permit under Section 38-156; the clerk must grant or deny a complete application within 15 days, and a decision can be appealed to the city council or to the Circuit Court for Manatee County.