Parma, OH Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Plainly audible test
- Audible 100 feet from the vehicle
- Proof standard
- Bass sound alone proves a violation
- First offense
- Minor misdemeanor, fine not reduced
- Repeat within 36 hours
- Becomes 4th-degree misdemeanor
- Enforcement method
- Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket
- Coverage
- Includes parking lots and driveways
Summary
Parma bans playing a car radio, CD player or other audio system loudly enough to be "plainly audible" to anyone outside the vehicle from 100 feet away under Codified Ordinances § 669.02, and officers may cite a driver based solely on hearing a "rhythmic bass reverberating-type sound," without identifying the song, lyrics or artist, enforced through an Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket.
(a) No person shall play any radio, music player or audio system in a motor vehicle at such volume as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of other persons or at a volume which is plainly audible to persons other than the occupants of said vehicle. ... (c) “Plainly audible” means any sound produced by a radio, tape player, compact disc player or other mechanical or electronic soundmaking device or instrument from within the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle, including sound produced by a portable soundmaking device, that can be clearly heard outside the vehicle by a person using his or her normal hearing faculties, at a distance of 100 feet or more from the motor vehicle. ... (3) The officer need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist producing the sound. The detection of a rhythmic bass reverberating- type sound is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-30: Local legislation current to August 3, 2026 | State legislation current to June 25, 2025).
Full Breakdown
" Subsection (d) sets the officer's proof standard: detection must rely primarily on the officer's own unaided hearing with a direct line of sight to the offending vehicle, and the officer "need not determine the particular words or phrases being produced or the name of any song or artist"; identifying a "rhythmic bass reverberating-type sound" is enough by itself to sustain a citation. The rule reaches any vehicle stopped, standing or moving within the City, including parking lots and driveways. Five exceptions apply: requests for medical or emergency assistance, warnings of hazardous conditions, emergency or public-safety vehicles on a run, government- or utility-owned vehicles, and permitted parades. m.
Violations & Fines
A first offense is a minor misdemeanor under Section 669.99(a), with the fine set by Section 698.02 and barred from being suspended, waived or reduced; Section 669.02 offenses are ticketed on an Ohio Uniform Traffic Ticket. Anyone cited again, or warned by an officer to stop, within thirty-six hours is guilty of a fourth-degree misdemeanor on the repeat offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play my car stereo in Parma?
Do police need to identify the song to ticket me for bass noise?
What's the penalty for a loud car stereo in Parma?
Are there any exceptions to Parma's car stereo noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Parma
Compare Parma to another location·View the Ohio noise from specific sources overview
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