Lawrence, KS Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- 'Audible' includes bass
- reverberations count without discernible words
- Distance
- 50 feet or more from the vehicle
- Measurement
- officer's auditory senses, no meter
- Devices covered
- radio, tape/CD player, loudspeaker, amplifiers
- Penalty
- $80-$400 traffic offense, up to $1,000
- Enforcing agency
- Lawrence Police Department
Summary
The City of Lawrence writes bass into its vehicle noise code by name. City Code § 17-127(a) defines 'audible' to include bass reverberations felt or heard from a vehicle sound system at 50 feet or more, even when the words or lyrics are not distinguishable, and that definition drives the section's ban on sound carrying that far.
Audible means any sound produced by a sound amplification system from within a vehicle which can be heard at a distance of 50 feet or more. Measurement standards shall be by the auditory senses, based upon a direct line of sight. Words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations shall be included. ... Sound amplification system means any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker, or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound.
Full Breakdown
' That last clause matters because low-frequency bass often carries past the point where lyrics or melody become clear, and Lawrence's code closes that gap by making the felt thump of a subwoofer, not just intelligible sound, count toward the 50-foot line. The same section defines 'sound amplification system' broadly as any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker or other electronic device used to amplify sound, so aftermarket subwoofers and amplifiers fall within it. Section 17-127(c) applies that definition to bar operating such a system on any street, highway, alley, parking lot or driveway so it is audible at 50 feet, without requiring the officer to measure the distance first.
Section 17-127(d) still allows the same defenses as any other loud-sound citation: on-duty public safety use, requests for help or hazard warnings, and approved public events. 00 if unscheduled, applies since the section itself sets no specific dollar amount.
Violations & Fines
Because bass reverberations count as 'audible' under section 17-127(a), a subwoofer felt at 50 feet or more supports the same citation as an audible lyric under section 17-127(c), and each occurrence is a separate traffic offense. The general fine schedule in section 17-103 applies: at least $80.00, no more than $400.00, or up to $1,000.00 if the offense has no scheduled fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lawrence's noise law cover bass I can feel but not make out the words?
What counts as a 'sound amplification system' under Lawrence's bass rule?
How does an officer measure the 50-foot bass threshold in Lawrence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
Compare Lawrence to another location·View the Kansas noise from specific sources overview
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