Woodbridge, NJ Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Woodbridge Code § 23-8.1 (definitions)
- Test for bass violations
- Rhythmic bass detection alone suffices
- Officer need not prove
- Song title, lyrics, or artist
- Enforcement path
- Noise control officer, § 23-8.4 & 23-8.7
- Max civil penalty
- $3,000 per offense
Summary
Woodbridge's noise code says a noise control officer can prove a plainly-audible violation from a car stereo simply by detecting the rhythmic bass beat of the music, without identifying the song or artist, tying that standard to the ordinance's dBA sound-level limits and up to $3,000 civil penalties.
PLAINLY AUDIBLE Shall mean any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. As an example, if the sound source under investigation is a portable or personal vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device, the detection of the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient to verify plainly audible sound. The noise control officer need not determine the title, specific words, or the artist performing the song.
Full Breakdown
1 of the Woodbridge noise ordinance defines PLAINLY AUDIBLE as any sound a person can detect with unaided hearing, and it addresses vehicle sound systems by name: where the source under investigation is a portable or personal vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device, detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient by itself to verify plainly audible sound, and the noise control officer does not need to identify the song title, lyrics or performing artist. 5, measured at the real property line of the receiving property.
In practice, a vehicle sound system whose bass line is plainly audible at a receiving residential property, particularly one that would register at or above the 65 dBA daytime or 50 dBA nighttime thresholds, gives the noise control officer the evidentiary basis to issue an enforcement document without needing to record or match the specific track playing. C. 7(a).
Violations & Fines
A confirmed violation is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $3,000 per offense under Section 23-8.7(b), and each day the violation continues is treated as a separate, additional offense. The vehicle operator receives an enforcement document and can request a municipal court hearing before any penalty is finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be cited in Woodbridge just for a car stereo's bass being audible outside?
Does the officer have to name the song playing to write me up?
What can I be fined for a bass/noise violation in Woodbridge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbridge
Compare Woodbridge to another location·View the New Jersey noise from specific sources overview
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