Royal Oak, MI Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Section 278-35(P) of the Royal Oak City Code, added by Ordinance No. 2016-09 on 7-25-2016, makes it unlawful for anyone in possession or control of a parked or moving vehicle to operate a stereo, disc player, cassette player, speakers or other similar sound equipment producing sound on a street, driveway, publicly patrolled parking lot or public place at a level, volume, intensity or frequency perceptible at 50 feet or more, whether heard by ear or felt as vibration. The 50-foot, feel-it standard specifically captures deep bass that carries through a vehicle's body even where the volume alone might not sound loud to a passerby, which is the low-frequency bass problem the section targets.

The ordinance exempts sound from emergency vehicles, vending vehicles, and publicly sponsored or permitted concerts, sporting events, activities or gatherings, so a City-permitted Woodward Dream Cruise event or a downtown festival with amplified music does not violate the section. A violation is a civil infraction, not a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by a flat fine of $100 rather than the Chapter 278 general penalty's discretionary range, making it enforceable by direct citation. The same 2016 ordinance also added Subsection Q, banning loud vehicles that are out of repair, overloaded or poorly constructed so as to cause loud grating, grinding, rattling or exhaust noise plainly audible at 50 feet and unreasonably disturbing to others, also punishable by a $100 civil infraction fine. Royal Oak police enforce both provisions during traffic stops.