Framingham, MA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Chapter 332's definitions section, § 332-2, defines "clearly audible" as any sound a person can detect with unaided hearing, and gives vehicular sound systems as its working example: an enforcement officer investigating a portable or personal vehicle sound amplification device need not identify the song title, specific words, or performing artist, because detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music alone is enough to make the sound "clearly audible" for enforcement purposes. That definition feeds directly into § 332-4C, which lists nuisance noises barred during nighttime hours, defined elsewhere in the chapter as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Subsection C(1) specifically bars loud music, radios, and automobile sound systems that have the potential to disturb a receiving party, while C(4) separately reaches any radio, stereo, or sound amplifier, including from a smartphone or tablet, played so it is clearly audible across a residential property boundary or, for multiunit dwellings, into the receiving party's own unit. A Framingham police officer investigating a bass complaint, functioning as the chapter's defined "reasonable person" under § 332-8, can rely on the low-frequency thump alone under § 332-2's definition without isolating lyrics or melody.

Enforcement escalates under § 332-12: a first violation draws a written warning, a second within twelve months draws a $100 fine, and any further violation within twelve months draws a $300 fine, with an appeal available to a hearing officer within 30 days under § 332-13.