Anne Arundel County, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Anne Arundel County, MD, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Daytime rule
- No unreasonably loud device, residential district
- Nighttime curfew
- 10 p.m.–7 a.m., stricter limit
- Violation presumption
- Audible 50 feet from device
- Civil offense
- Class E civil offense, Section 9-2-101
- Refusal penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 30 days jail
Summary
Anne Arundel County bans amplified music and other audio devices played at an unreasonably loud volume audible in a residential district, with a stricter 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew and a 50-foot presumption of violation.
(c) Prohibitions. A person may not: (1) at any time use, operate, or permit the use or operation of a radio or other music producing device, a television, an amplified musical instrument, or any other audio producing device at an unreasonably loud volume that can be heard in a residential district; or (2) between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., use, operate, or permit the use or operation of a musical instrument or a machine, tool, or similar device at an unreasonably loud volume that can be heard in a residential district.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
County Code Section 9-1-707 prohibits using or permitting the use of a radio, television, amplified musical instrument, or any other audio device at an unreasonably loud volume audible in a residential district at any time, and imposes a tighter overnight limit between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. covering musical instruments, machines, and tools. Sound audible 50 feet from the device creates a rebuttable presumption of violation. Police issue citations as a Class E civil offense under Section 9-2-101 with no warning required; refusing an officer order to stop is a separate misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and 30 days in jail.
Violations & Fines
Civil citation as Class E offense, no warning required; refusing a police order to stop is a misdemeanor up to $500 fine and 30 days jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified music outdoors in Anne Arundel County?
Is there a curfew for outdoor music in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
What happens if I get cited for loud outdoor music?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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