Bossier Parish, LA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Bossier Parish, LA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Audibility cap (daytime)
- Plainly audible 50 feet, public/commercial areas
- Nighttime cutoff
- 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., audible only to operator
- Loudspeaker permit fee
- $10.00, one 14-hour window
- Loudspeaker decibel cap
- 65 dBA at nearest property line
- Maximum penalty
- $500 fine or 30 days jail per offense
Summary
In unincorporated Bossier Parish, radios, stereos, musical instruments and other sound-amplifying equipment cannot be played so loudly they disturb neighbors, or so they are plainly audible 50 feet away in commercial, industrial or public areas. Portable amplified sound in public rights-of-way is capped even tighter overnight.
(13)Sound-amplifying equipment.a.Unless otherwise permitted, the playing of any radio, television set, sound-amplifying equipment, or other sound-producing device or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume, as to disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, hospital or in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence, and of any persons in the vicinity or is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the source of the sound in a commercial, industrial area or public space ... b.Self-contained, portable, hand-held music or sound-amplifying equipment shall not be operated on a public space or public right-of-way in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., sound from such equipment shall not be plainly audible by any person other than the operator.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 46-36(a)(13) treats sound-amplifying equipment as an enumerated noise violation. Under subsection a, playing a radio, television, sound-amplifying equipment or musical instrument in a manner or volume that disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in a dwelling, hotel, hospital or office, or that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the source in a commercial, industrial area or public space, is a violation. it cannot be plainly audible to anyone but the operator at all. Loudspeakers and public address systems have their own permitting track under Sec.
, cannot be issued to the same person or location more than twice in 30 days, and caps amplified sound at 65 dBA measured from the nearest receiving property line. Houses of religious worship, ice cream trucks, seasonal solicitors and government traffic-control signaling are exempt from the general sound-level limits under Sec. 46-36(c).
Violations & Fines
A sound-amplifying equipment violation is enforced under Sec. 46-38 with a civil penalty of not more than $500.00 or up to 30 days imprisonment per offense, each day of a continuing violation counted separately, and the parish may also seek injunctive relief. Operating a loudspeaker without the required $10.00 permit is a separate violation of Sec. 46-36(o).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music outdoors in unincorporated Bossier Parish?
Is there a curfew for amplified sound?
Do I need a permit for a loudspeaker or PA system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bossier Parish
Compare Bossier Parish to another location·View the Louisiana noise ordinances overview
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