Franklin, TN Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Distance test
- audible beyond 50 feet
- Applies to
- city streets, parks, lots, city property
- Section
- sec. 11-404(3)(p)
- Fine
- $50 per day, sec. 11-407
Summary
Franklin, Tennessee bans playing a vehicle radio, tape, CD, or similar audio system loud enough to be heard 50 feet away on public streets, parks, lots, or other city property.
No person shall use or operate any radio, tape player, record player, compact disc player or any similar device in or on a motor vehicle located on the public streets of the city, property owned or leased by the city, or within a public park, within a public parking lot or on any other public premise with the city, which is audible to a person of normal hearing sensitivity more than 50 feet from such vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Franklin Municipal Code section 11-404(3)(p) sets an objective distance test for car-stereo noise, including bass-heavy audio: no one may operate a radio, tape player, record player, CD player, or similar device in a vehicle on the city's public streets, city-owned or leased property, a public park, a public lot, or any other public premises if it's audible to a person of normal hearing more than 50 feet from the vehicle. The code adds that 'words and phrases need not be discernible' - a booming bass line that carries 50 feet counts even if lyrics aren't intelligible.
Violations & Fines
A car stereo audible beyond 50 feet on city property is a misdemeanor under section 11-407, carrying a $50 fine per day of continued violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the bass have to carry intelligible words to violate Franklin's ordinance?
Does the 50-foot car audio rule reach private driveways?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
Compare Franklin to another location·View the Tennessee noise from specific sources overview
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