Carteret County, NC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Carteret County, NC, 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
- Sec. 10-1(b)(3) and (b)(6), Loud and Disturbing Noise
- Vehicle stereo trigger
- Audible or felt 30 feet from the source
- Warning required
- Officer must warn before citation, Sec. 10-1(e)(1)
- First-offense fine
- $50.00, rising to $500.00 per later offense
- Authorizing statute
- G.S. 153A-133
Summary
In unincorporated Carteret County, playing a radio, stereo or other sound equipment loud enough to annoy or disturb neighbors violates Sec. 10-1(b)(3). Vehicle stereo noise audible 30 feet away is presumed unreasonably loud under Sec. 10-1(b)(6), and both fall under the county's general noise ordinance.
(3)The playing of any radio, phonograph, musical instrument or any other machine or device for the production or reproduction of sound in such manner or with such volume, as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence. ... (6)The playing of any radio, cassette player, compact disc, videotape or disc or other similar device for reproducing sound located on or in any motor vehicle on a public street, highway, within any public vehicular area, within the motor vehicular area of any public or private parking lot or park or on the premises of a private residence in an unreasonably loud, annoying, disturbing or unnecessary manner as defined above. A presumption is created that the sound thus created is unreasonably loud, annoying, disturbing and unnecessary if the sound generated or noise vibration therefrom is audible or can be felt at a distance of 30 feet or more from the radio, cassette player, compact disc, video tape or disc or other similar device that is producing the sound.
Full Breakdown
Carteret County's noise ordinance, Sec. 10-1, adopted under the authority of G.S. 153A-133, bans creating unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise anywhere in the county. Subsection (b)(3) specifically targets the playing of a radio, phonograph, musical instrument or any other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound at a manner or volume that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of anyone in a dwelling, hotel or other residence. Subsection (b)(6) adds a numeric trigger for vehicle stereos: a radio, cassette player, CD or similar device playing from a motor vehicle on a public street, in a public vehicular area, or on a private residence's premises creates a presumption of unreasonably loud, annoying, disturbing or unnecessary noise if it is audible or can be felt 30 feet or more from the source.
Whether noise crosses the line also depends on the factors listed in subsection (a): time of day, proximity to residential structures, whether it is recurrent or constant, its volume, whether it has been amplified electronically or mechanically, the zoning of the area, and whether it relates to a normal business operation. The restrictions in subsection (c) further require that the noise be detrimental to an ordinary person's health, safety or welfare from more than 50 feet away, applying most clearly between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Scheduled outdoor athletic events, emergency vehicles, church bells and community celebrations are exempt under subsection (d).
Violations & Fines
Before anyone can be cited, a law enforcement officer must first warn the person and give a chance to comply, per Sec. 10-1(e)(1). A continuing violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor punished by a fine of $50.00 for a first offense, $150.00 for a second, and $500.00 for each offense after that, plus up to 30 days in jail; the county may also seek injunctive relief and a civil penalty under G.S. 153A-123.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can I play music at home in Carteret County?
Is there a specific distance test for car stereos?
Will I get a ticket the first time someone complains about my music?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Carteret County
Compare Carteret County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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