Jersey City, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Weighting scale
- C-weighting (bass-sensitive), §222-5.3
- Night limit
- +3 dB(C) above residual level
- Day limit
- +6 dB(C) above residual level
- Measured where
- Inside complainant's residence
- Max penalty
- $2,000 civil fine per N.J.S.A. 40:49-5
Summary
Jersey City measures bass and other low-frequency noise with the 'C'-weighting scale, which is far more sensitive to bass than the standard 'A'-weighting used for most sound checks. Under § 222-5.3, a sound production device can't raise the total level inside a neighbor's home by more than 3 dB(C) at night or 6 dB(C) during the day above the neighborhood's residual sound level.
No person shall cause or permit the operation of any sound production device in such a manner that the sound crosses a property line and raises the total sound levels above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than the permissible sound level limits set forth in Table IV when measured within the residence of a complainant according to the measurement protocol in 222-5.1.B of this article. These sound level measurements shall be conducted with the sound level meter set for "C" weighting, "fast" response. [Table IV] Week nights 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m., Weekend nights 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.: 3 dB(C). All other times: 6 dB(C). ... PLAINLY AUDIBLE means any sound that can be detected by an NCO or an NCI using his or her unaided hearing faculties of normal acuity. As an example, if the sound source under investigation is a portable or vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device, the detection of the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
more sensitive to low frequencies than the "A" weighting network,' the scale used specifically for bass-heavy sources. 3 governs any 'sound production device', defined at § 222-2 to include loudspeakers, radios, and sound amplifying equipment, and bars operating one so its sound crosses a property line and 'raises the total sound levels above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than the permissible sound level limits set forth in Table IV when measured within the residence of a complainant,' with the meter set for 'C' weighting, 'fast' response.
), and 6 dB(C) at all other times. The ordinance's PLAINLY AUDIBLE definition in § 222-2 also targets bass by name: for a portable or vehicular sound system, 'the detection of the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound', the enforcement officer doesn't need to identify the song, artist, or lyrics, just the audible bass. B, with all interior sound sources shut off and windows/doors closed at the investigator's discretion.
Violations & Fines
A bass or low-frequency violation is enforced the same as other Chapter 222 breaches: a noise control officer issues an NOV for a minor first offense or a NOPA for a non-minor or repeat violation, carrying a civil penalty up to $2,000 per N.J.S.A. 40:49-5, with each continuing day a separate offense and a right to a municipal court hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jersey City measure loud bass from a neighbor's speakers?
Does an officer need to identify the song to write a bass noise ticket?
What time of day does the strictest bass limit apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jersey City
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