Fort Wayne, IN Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Night cutoff
- 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Public-place audibility limit
- 50 feet from source
- Standard used
- plainly audible, not decibels
- Governing section
- Code of Ordinances § 96.04(B)
Summary
Fort Wayne bars audible bass, stereos and amplified sound reaching neighbors after 10 p.m. or carrying past 50 feet in public streets, under the city's plainly-audible noise standard.
Playing, using, or operating any radio, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, musical instrument or any machine or device for producing or reproducing sound...in a manner that makes unreasonable noise. The operation of any such machine or device in a manner that produces sound plainly audible to a person with normal hearing: (1) From any place other than where the sound source is located...between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; or (2) From a distance greater than fifty (50) feet from the sound source...when it is located in any public street or public place of the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 96.04(B) makes it a violation to play a radio, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, musical instrument, or any device reproducing sound in a manner that is plainly audible to a person with normal hearing from another location between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or audible from more than 50 feet away when the source sits on a public street or public place. There is no separate decibel or frequency test for bass or subwoofers, audibility distance and time of day are the standard the city enforces against.
Violations & Fines
A violation under § 96.04 is enforceable by the city; repeat or unresolved complaints can lead to citation. § 96.05 lists narrow exemptions (emergency sirens, permitted parades, athletic events) that do not cover residential stereo or vehicle bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Wayne measure bass in decibels?
Can I play bass-heavy music at home at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana noise from specific sources overview
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