Carrollton, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Carrollton, TX, 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
- § 130.18(A)(1)-(2), Carrollton
- Standard used
- Unreasonable disturbance, not a decibel limit
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
- Ice cream vendor cutoff
- No amplified jingles 10 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Event exception window
- 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
- Last amended
- Ordinance 3929, October 15, 2019
Summary
Carrollton bans operating a radio, stereo, loudspeaker or other amplified sound equipment in a way that unreasonably disturbs neighbors, whether it's a home stereo, a vehicle-mounted PA system, or speakers cast onto a public street. The rule is standard-based, not tied to a specific decibel meter reading.
(A) Certain noises prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to make, cause to be made, or allow any loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise in the city which is offensive to the ordinary sensibilities of any individual in the city, which noise renders the enjoyment of life or property uncomfortable, or interferes with the public peace and comfort. The following acts are declared to create loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this section: (1) Operating or permitting to be operated any radio receiver set, musical instrument, television, phonograph, stereo, drum machine or other such device in a manner that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of people of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity. (2) Operating or permitting to be operated any loudspeaker or sound-amplifying equipment in a fixed or movable position mounted on any vehicle... whereby the sound therefrom is cast directly upon a public street or which is so placed or operated that the sounds therefrom can be heard to the annoyance of travelers on any streets or public places, or of persons in the neighboring premises.
Full Breakdown
18(A) makes it unlawful to make or allow any loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise offensive to the ordinary sensibilities of an individual in the city that renders enjoyment of life or property uncomfortable or interferes with public peace and comfort, and it specifically lists operating a radio, musical instrument, television, phonograph, stereo or drum machine in a manner that unreasonably disturbs people of ordinary sensibilities in the vicinity (subsection (1)), and operating a loudspeaker or sound-amplifying system mounted on a vehicle, or on any street, park, building or premises, so that the sound is cast onto a public street or can be heard to the annoyance of travelers or neighboring premises (subsection (2)).
at official municipal functions, permitted parades, Carrollton Amphitheater events, or functions holding a special event permit under Chapter 117; and noise from engine-generators run during a power outage to maintain utility service. 18(C). The current version derives from Ordinance 2195 (1996), last amended by Ordinance 3929 in October 2019.
Violations & Fines
A violation of § 130.18 is a misdemeanor under Chapter 130's general penalty structure, carrying a fine of up to $500 per offense under § 10.99(A)(1)(l), with each occurrence of the noise chargeable separately. Because no culpable mental state is required, intent or knowledge that the amplified sound was disturbing is not an element the city must prove; the officer's assessment of unreasonable disturbance to a person of ordinary sensibilities is enough to support a citation, subject to the listed affirmative defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Carrollton use a decibel limit for amplified music complaints?
Can a permitted event in Carrollton use amplified sound late into the evening?
Do I need to prove someone meant to disturb me with loud music to file a complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carrollton
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Carrollton to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.