Carroll County, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Carroll 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
- Governing section
- § 93.01(C)(1)
- Civil fine
- up to $1,000 per citation
- Enforcing agency
- Carroll County Sheriff's Office
- Warning required
- No warning required before citation
- Refusal to comply
- misdemeanor, up to $500 or 30 days
- Geographic scope
- unincorporated Carroll County only
- Adopted
- Ord. 2022-05, passed 5-5-2022
Summary
Carroll County bars playing a radio, television, amplified musical instrument, or any other audio device loudly enough to create an unreasonably loud noise heard in a residential area, at any time of day. The rule covers the unincorporated county, exempts government, utility, licensed, agricultural, and school activities, and is enforced by the Sheriff's Office with a civil fine of up to $1,000 per citation.
(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 device producing an unreasonably loud noise that can be heard in a residential area;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through July 30, 2026).
Full Breakdown
01(C)(1) of the Carroll County Code makes it unlawful at any time to 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 device that produces an unreasonably loud noise audible in a residential area. 002. The prohibition applies only to the unincorporated area of the county; Westminster, Hampstead, Manchester, Mount Airy, New Windsor, Sykesville, Taneytown, and Union Bridge enforce their own municipal noise codes. ), and trash and recycling collection vehicles. after July 1, 2008, per Md. Code, Environment Article, § 3-105(A)(5). 01 was adopted by Ord. 2022-05, passed May 5, 2022.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 93.01(C) is a civil infraction carrying a fine of up to $1,000, and the Sheriff's Office may issue a citation without first giving a warning. If a person who has been ordered by the Sheriff's Office to stop the noise refuses or fails to comply, that refusal is a separate misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail, or both, tried before the District Court of Maryland (§ 93.99).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carroll County's noise ordinance cover the town of Westminster?
Is there a specific decibel limit for amplified music in Carroll County?
Do I get a warning before being cited for loud music?
What happens if I ignore a Sheriff's order to turn down amplified music?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carroll County
Compare Carroll County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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