Hampton, VA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility threshold
- 50 feet from vehicle
- Time restriction
- None: applies 24/7
- Bass standard
- Reverberations alone count
- Ice cream truck exemption
- 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. only
- First offense fine
- Up to $500
Summary
Hampton's noise ordinance explicitly targets bass: its 'plainly audible' standard says detecting bass reverberations alone is enough to prove a violation, and any vehicle sound system audible 50 feet or more away is unlawful at any hour under Code § 22-9(7).
(7)Amplified sound from vehicles. Playing, using or operating, or permitting the playing, use or operation of, any radio, stereo, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker or other electronic device or mechanical equipment used for the amplification of sound, which is located on or within a motor vehicle and which is plainly audible from outside the motor vehicle at a distance of fifty (50) feet or more. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to the playing of music or jingles by an ice cream truck or similar mobile food-service vehicle, provided such vehicle may emit sounds otherwise prohibited by this subsection only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.(8)Lawn care activities. Creating any sound or noise plainly audible in residential areas between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in connection with lawn care, leaf removal, gardening, tree maintenance or removal or other landscaping, lawn or timbering activities. (Ord. No. 10-0023, 9-8-10; Ord. No. 11-0002, 2-9-11; Ord. No. 13-0015, 7-10-13; Ord. No. 15-0029, 10-28-15)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Section 22-9(7) makes it unlawful to operate a radio, stereo, amplifier or other sound equipment on or in a motor vehicle if it's plainly audible from 50 feet away: with no time-of-day exception, unlike most § 22-9 categories. Section 22-2 defines 'plainly audible' broadly enough to reach bass specifically: 'the detection of bass reverberations is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound,' so an officer doesn't need to make out lyrics, just feel the thump. Ice cream trucks are exempted, but only between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. First offense draws a fine up to $500, rising to $2,500 for a third offense within ten years.
Violations & Fines
First offense: misdemeanor fine up to $500. Second offense within 5 years: up to $1,000. Third within 10 years: up to $2,500. Each day counts as a separate offense under § 22-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loud car bass illegal any time of day in Hampton?
Does the sound have to be recognizable music to count?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia noise from specific sources overview
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