Fishers, IN Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime device limit
- 80 decibels at 50 feet
- Nighttime standard
- Plainly audible at 50 feet banned
- Nighttime hours
- 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Shared walls
- Audible across unit boundary banned
- Fine
- $50 first offense, $100 if unpaid
Summary
Fishers caps amplified sound from radios, stereos, and speakers, the source of most bass complaints, at 80 decibels measured 50 feet away by day, and plainly audible at that distance overnight, under § 98.02(B).
Except as provided by § 98.03, it shall be unlawful for any person, corporation, or entity to play, use, or operate any device that exceeds the following limits: (1) During the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 80 decibels as measured at least 50 feet from the property line of where the device is located; (2) During the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., plainly audible from a point no closer than 50 feet from the property line of property where a device producing or amplifying the sound is located; or
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 051826E, passed 5-18-26; and Resolution No. R051826C, passed 5-18-26; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2026 Acts, Pamphlet #1).
Full Breakdown
Section 98.02(B) covers any device, defined in § 98.01 to include radios, stereo systems, and record players, capable of producing or amplifying sound, which reaches the low bass frequencies from car and home audio systems. Between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., a device cannot exceed 80 decibels measured at least 50 feet from the property line. Between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the standard tightens to plainly audible, meaning audible to the human ear without amplification, from 50 feet away, or from the shared wall in an apartment or townhouse. The rule runs citywide in Fishers, Hamilton County, Indiana.
Violations & Fines
Fishers Police enforce § 98.02 device-noise violations; the Ordinance Violations Bureau fine is $50, rising to $100 if unpaid within 30 days (§ 36.08), with unpaid citations referred to the City Attorney for Fishers City Court action (§ 98.99).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loud bass from a stereo illegal in Fishers at night?
What decibel limit applies to a home stereo during the day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fishers
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