Raleigh, NC Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Raleigh Chapter 12, Article 5 does not set a separate decibel or vibration-meter standard for bass; instead it folds bass directly into the definitions that drive every noise citation. Section 12-5001 defines 'plainly audible' to expressly include 'bass reverberation and rhythmic bass tones,' meaning an officer does not need instrumentation, if the thump of a subwoofer, car audio system, or party speaker can be heard by a person of ordinary sensitivity, it satisfies the plainly-audible threshold. The same section separately defines 'unreasonable noise' as any 'unreasonably loud, boisterous, or unusual noise, disturbance, commotion, or vibration due to bass levels or other sources' coming from a dwelling, structure, outdoor property, or public street or park.

Section 12-5003 then makes it unlawful to make any plainly audible noise that unreasonably disturbs a reasonable person's comfort, repose, or peace, weighing factors including proximity to sleeping areas, the zoning of the area, time of day, duration, and whether the sound is recurring. A violation of § 12-5003 is a misdemeanor and can also be pursued civilly under § 12-5011. The bass-specific language matters most for late-night car stereos and house parties in residential neighborhoods, where there is no numeric dB(A)/dB(C) table like the one that governs commercial establishments under § 12-5006, enforcement instead turns on whether the vibration or bass tone is 'plainly audible' and 'unreasonable' under the § 12-5001 definitions applied through § 12-5003's general prohibition.