Linden, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Portable device, daytime
- inaudible past 50 ft, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Portable device, nighttime
- inaudible past 25 ft, 10 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Vehicle stereo, nighttime
- inaudible past 25 ft, 10 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Vehicle stereo, daytime
- inaudible past 50 ft, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Max civil penalty
- $2,000 per offense
- Enforcing officer
- Noise Control Officer/Investigator
Summary
Linden caps how far a portable speaker or a vehicle stereo can carry. Both must stay inaudible past 50 feet by day and 25 feet at night, measured from the operator, on any public space, right-of-way or street.
f. Self-contained, portable, non-vehicular music or sound production devices shall not be operated on a public space or public right-of-way in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., sound, operated on a public space or public right-of-way, from such equipment shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator. ... ... c. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that it is plainly audible at distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. d. Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4586096; v16 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
m. 10 as purposeful, so a violation is automatically a non-minor offense rather than a minor one. Both provisions were added March 18, 2025 by Ord. No. 69-3 as part of a rewritten noise chapter. A. A. 40:49-5. A repeat violation within 12 months triggers a NOPA regardless of whether it is fixed on the spot, and each continuing day is a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
A non-minor violation, including any vehicle-amplification offense under § 3-2.10, draws a Notice of Penalty Assessment carrying a civil fine of up to $2,000 per N.J.S.A. 40:49-5. Recipients may contest a NOPA at a hearing in municipal court; the Noise Control Officer can grant a compliance extension of up to 180 days or seek injunctive relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be on a Linden street?
Does the same rule apply to a portable speaker in a park?
What happens after I'm cited for loud bass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Linden
Compare Linden to another location·View the New Jersey noise from specific sources overview
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Low-Frequency Bass Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Union County handle low-frequency bass limits.