Clinton Township, MI Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard
- rhythmic bass alone is "plainly audible"
- Officer need not identify
- song title, lyrics, or artist
- Applies during
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew
- Distance trigger
- within 30 feet of a residence
- First-offense fine
- minimum $200
Summary
Clinton Township's noise ordinance defines "plainly audible" sound to include cases where only the rhythmic bass component of music can be detected, so officers can cite a stereo or speaker under Section 664.07(a)(2) without identifying the song, lyrics or performing artist. The standard feeds directly into the (c)(2) nighttime music ban.
(2) “Plainly Audible” means any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. The enforcing officer need not determine the title of a specific sound, specific words, or the performing artist. The detection of the rhythmic bass component of music is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Local legislation current through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
07(a) defines terms used throughout the noise chapter. Subsection (a)(2) states that "plainly audible" means any sound a person can detect with unaided hearing, and specifies that the enforcing officer need not identify the title, specific words, or performing artist of what is playing: detecting only the rhythmic bass component of music is enough by itself to constitute a plainly audible sound. is prohibited, and under the bass rule an officer only has to feel or hear the beat carrying that distance, not recognize the track.
The definition applies chapter-wide, so it also supports citations under the (c)(5) permit requirement for loudspeakers and amplifiers and the (c)(6) sound-truck ban. 07, including the Board of Trustees appeal path in (d) for permit denials.
Violations & Fines
Section 664.07(g) applies the same tiered civil-infraction fines to a bass-noise citation as to any other violation of this section: a minimum $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second, and $400 for a third, plus any additional penalties, equitable remedies under M.C.L.A. 600.8302(4)/600.8701 et seq., and legal fees the Township is allowed to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clinton Township regulate bass-heavy music specifically?
How does the plainly-audible standard get enforced?
What happens if I'm cited for bass noise under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clinton Township
Compare Clinton Township to another location·View the Michigan noise from specific sources overview
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Low-Frequency Bass Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle low-frequency bass limits.