Sherman, TX Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Section 8.07.003(b)(3) of the Sherman Code of Ordinances, adopted by the City Council as Ordinance 6216 on 5/20/19, covers vehicular sound amplification systems. It prohibits operating or controlling a motor vehicle in either a public or private place within the city while operating any sound device that is part of, or connected to, a radio, stereo receiver, compact disc player, cassette tape player or similar device in the vehicle. Two triggers are printed. The first is audibility at a distance of 30 feet. The second is bass-type output: the sound, when operated, causes a person to be aware of the vibration accompanying the sound at a distance of 30 feet from the source. Both require that the operation be done in a manner which causes a noise disturbance.

The code defines a noise disturbance as any sound which annoys or disturbs, or causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect upon, a reasonable, prudent adult person, including unreasonably loud or disturbing noise that renders the enjoyment of life or property uncomfortable or interferes with public peace and comfort. The article does not print a decibel limit or a separate bass-frequency measure. The standard is the 30-foot distance test combined with the disturbance definition.

Because the rule covers private places, a parked car in a driveway or a lot is covered the same way as a moving car on a street. A "motor vehicle" is any vehicle propelled by mechanical power, including a passenger car, truck, motorcycle, minibike, go-cart and dune buggy. Emergency vehicle sirens and horns used when responding to an emergency are exempt under § 8.07.004. The assistant city manager can grant a permit of variance under § 8.07.006 for short-duration sound sources, and a denied applicant can request a hearing before the city manager within ten days under § 8.07.007.