West New York, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Measurement scale
- dB(C), "C" weighting, "fast" response (§ 266-8)
- Limit type
- Increase over neighborhood residual sound level, Table IV
- Vehicle music at night
- Not plainly audible at 25 feet, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Vehicle music by day
- Not plainly audible at 50 feet, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Indoor meter position
- At least three feet from any wall, floor or ceiling
- Maximum civil penalty
- $3,000 per offense (§ 266-11B)
Summary
In the Town of West New York, New Jersey, music crossing a property line cannot raise the sound level inside a complainant's residence above the neighborhood residual level by more than the Table IV limit, measured on the dB(C) scale that is more sensitive to low frequencies. Vehicle music cannot be plainly audible at 25 feet from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
The "C" weighting network is more sensitive to low frequencies than is the "A" weighting network. ... As an example, if the sound source under investigation is a portable or vehicular sound-amplification or -reproduction device, the detection of the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound. ... No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any sou ... nd-production device in such a manner that the sound crosses a property line and raises the total sound levels above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than the permissible sound level limits set forth in Table IV when measured within the residence of a complainant according to the measurement protocol in § 266-6B of this chapter. These sound-level measurements shall be conducted with the sound-level meter set for "C" weighting, "fast" response. ... C. Personal or commercial vehicular music-amplification or -reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that it is plainly audible at distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 266 of the Code of the Town of West New York, adopted 7-18-2012 as Ord. No. 19/12, treats bass through the dB(C) scale. Section 266-2 defines dBC as sound measured with the "C" weighting network, which is more sensitive to low frequencies than the "A" weighting network. Under § 266-8 nobody can operate a sound-production device so that the sound crosses a property line and raises the total sound level above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than the Table IV limits, measured within the complainant's residence with the meter set for "C" weighting, "fast" response. Table IV sets separate maximum increases for weeknights from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., weekend nights from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., and all other times; the chapter defines weekends as beginning Friday at 6:00 p.m. and ending the following Monday at 7:00 a.m.
The plainly audible standard needs no meter. The definition says that for a portable or vehicular sound-amplification or reproduction device, detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound, and the officer need not identify the song, words or artist. Noise control investigators can enforce those provisions without a sound-level meter (§ 266-5B). For indoor readings across a real property line, measurements are taken at least three feet from any wall, floor or ceiling, windows and exterior doors can be closed, and every source inside the dwelling unit, such as a television or stereo, is shut off (§ 266-6B).
Vehicle music has fixed distances. Under § 266-10C vehicular music-amplification or reproduction equipment cannot be plainly audible at 25 feet in any direction from the operator between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and § 266-10D sets 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Self-contained portable music devices on a public space or right-of-way follow the same distances, 50 feet from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 25 feet from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (§ 266-9F). Section 266-10 declares every motor vehicle violation purposeful and therefore nonminor.
Violations & Fines
Each violation of Chapter 266 draws a notice of violation or a notice of penalty assessment, and a civil penalty of not more than $3,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense (§ 266-11B). Because vehicle music violations are nonminor, an uncorrected violation brings a penalty assessment, and a repeat within 12 months does too even if corrected. The recipient can contest in municipal court, and the officer can seek an injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Town of West New York measure loud bass?
Can an officer cite bass without a meter?
How loud can car music be at night?
What is the fine for a bass noise violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West New York
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Low-Frequency Bass Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle low-frequency bass limits.