Clifton, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Clifton, NJ, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Vehicle music, night
- not audible at residential line, 10pm-8am
- Vehicle music, day
- not audible 50 ft from vehicle, 8am-10pm
- Portable speakers, day
- not audible 50 ft, 8am-10pm
- Portable speakers, night
- not audible to anyone but operator
- Basis
- overrides Table I/II decibel limits (§327-6B)
- Penalty
- up to $2,000 civil fine per offense
Summary
Clifton judges vehicle stereos and portable speakers by hours and distance, not decibels. Vehicle music can't be plainly audible at a residential property line from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., or 50 feet from the vehicle from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; portable speakers in public spaces face the same daytime 50-foot rule and must be silent to bystanders overnight.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Tables I and II, the following standards shall apply to the activities or sources of sound set forth below: Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that it is plainly audible at a residential property line between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Personal vehicular music amplification equipment shall not be operated 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 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Self-contained, portable, hand-held music or sound amplification or reproduction 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 8:00 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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4963532; v64 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 327-6B of the Clifton Code opens by stating its listed standards apply "notwithstanding the provisions of Tables I and II," meaning these sources are judged by a plainly-audible/time test rather than the chapter's decibel schedule. m. m. " "Plainly audible" is defined in § 327-1 as sound detectable by unaided hearing, with rhythmic bass from a vehicle stereo given as a sufficient example without needing to identify the song. C. 7:29-2 procedure.
Violations & Fines
Operating amplified music outside the § 327-6B(6)-(8) hour and distance limits is a violation of Chapter 327, subject under § 327-7B to a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense; the recipient of an enforcement document may contest it at a Municipal Court hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music from portable speakers in a Clifton park at night?
How loud can my car stereo be during the day in Clifton?
Do these amplified-music rules replace Clifton's decibel tables?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clifton
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.