York County, SC Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 56.016(B)(13), radios and stereos
- Bright-line test
- Audible 50 feet away = violation
- Max fine
- $500 per offense, § 56.999
- Max jail
- 30 days per offense
- First complaint
- Chance to lower volume before penalty
Summary
Unincorporated York County makes it a noise violation to play a radio, stereo, or other sound device loud enough to be 'plainly audible' 50 feet from the vehicle or building where it sits. That 50-foot rule, aimed squarely at thumping car and house stereos, counts as automatic proof of a violation under the county's public nuisance chapter.
(13) Radios, phonographs, etc. The using, operating or permitting to be played, used or operated of any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the persons who are in the room, vehicle or chamber in which such machine or device is operated and who are voluntary listeners thereto. The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-49: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 3925, passed 6-16-25).
Full Breakdown
C. 016(B)(13) bars using or operating 'any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound' in a way that disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents, or at a volume louder than necessary for the people actually listening in the room, vehicle, or chamber where the device sits. ' That 50-foot standard is what catches heavy bass from a car audio system or a house party speaker; a deputy or code officer does not need a decibel meter, only confirmation the sound carries 50 feet.
016(B)(18), which limits general activity noise to 60 decibels at the property line. 017: a first confirmed violation earns the owner a chance to turn the volume down before any penalty attaches.
Violations & Fines
A first confirmed 50-foot violation gets the owner or driver an immediate chance to lower the volume without a fine. A repeat or continuing violation within 90 days is a misdemeanor under § 56.999, punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, with each additional day treated as a separate offense in York County's magistrates' court.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car stereo legally be in unincorporated York County?
Can I get a warning before being cited for loud bass?
Does the 50-foot rule apply to house parties as well as car stereos?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the South Carolina noise from specific sources overview
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