Newark, OH Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Test distance
- Fifty feet (fifteen meters) from the device
- Covered devices
- Radio, television, sound amplifier or similar device in or on a motor vehicle
- Where it applies
- Public right of way or public space
- Hour limit
- None in the vehicle paragraph
- First offense
- Minor misdemeanor
- Repeat offense
- Misdemeanor of the fourth degree
Summary
In the City of Newark, Ohio, a radio, sound amplifier or similar device operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right of way or public space violates Section 634.04(a)(9)B once it creates a noise disturbance at fifty feet. The vehicle paragraph has no nighttime-only window, so it applies at any hour.
(a) No person shall do, cause or permit any of the following: ... (9) Radios, television sets, musical instruments and similar devices. Operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum or other musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound: ... B. In such a manner as to create a noise disturbance at fifty feet (fifteen meters) from such device, when operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right of way or public space; ... (b) Whoever violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on a first offense and a misdemeanor of the fourth degree for each subsequent offense. Whoever maliciously violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 634 of the Newark Code of Ordinances, titled "The Noise Control Ordinance of the City of Newark" and enacted by City Council as Ord. 84-42 and amended by Ord. 22-43, governs amplified sound in Newark, Licking County, Ohio. The car audio rule sits in Section 634.04(a)(9)B. It reaches anyone who operates, plays or permits the operation or playing of a radio, television, phonograph, drum or other musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device when the device is operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right of way or public space. The test is a noise disturbance at fifty feet (fifteen meters) from the device.
Section 634.02(15) defines a noise disturbance as any sound that endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals, annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities or endangers or injures personal or real property. The standard is a reasonable-person test, not a decibel reading.
The code never uses the word bass and sets no separate low-frequency or subwoofer limit. Bass is reached because the paragraph covers any device that produces, reproduces or amplifies sound, and Section 634.02(24) says the description of sound includes its duration, intensity and frequency. Section 634.02(25) adds that when no frequency weighting is indicated, the A-weighting applies.
The residential paragraph, Section 634.04(a)(9)A, is a different rule: it applies between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and measures the disturbance across a residential real property boundary. The vehicle paragraph carries no hour limit. Under Section 634.09, law enforcement officers may stop and test any motor vehicle or motorcycle operated on a public right of way or public space that is reasonably suspected of violating the chapter. Section 634.10 exempts sound made to alert people to an emergency, and Section 634.11 lets the Director of Public Safety grant special variances.
Violations & Fines
A first offense under Section 634.04 is a minor misdemeanor, and each later offense is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. A person who maliciously violates the section, meaning motivated by ill will toward a person while committing the act, faces a misdemeanor of the third degree. Section 698.02(c)(1) sets the jail ceiling at not more than 30 days for a fourth-degree misdemeanor and not more than 60 days for a third-degree misdemeanor. A separate offense is committed each day a violation occurs or continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loud car bass only illegal at night in Newark, Ohio?
Does Newark set a decibel limit for car stereos?
Can Newark police stop a car because of its stereo?
Is there a separate rule for low-frequency sound in Newark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newark
Compare Newark to another location·View the Ohio noise from specific sources overview
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