Amplified music rules in Prince George's County, MD — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Prince George's County regulates amplified sound under its Subtitle 19 Noise Control ordinance. Operating a device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound is an example of a prohibited act if it exceeds the decibel limits or creates a noise disturbance.
County Code § 19-122 lists 'operating a device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound' among the illustrative acts that violate the ordinance when they exceed the maximum allowable levels (65 dBA day / 55 dBA night in residential areas) or create a noise disturbance. Unlike unamplified sporting and entertainment events, electronically amplified sound is not exempt: the § 19-123 exemption for public gatherings between 7 a.m. and midnight expressly excludes 'those sounds that are electronically amplified.' Amplified music from parties, speakers, or PA systems is therefore held to the full decibel table at all hours. Sound crossing between residential and non-residential areas must not exceed the residential limit. Cities such as Bowie and College Park add their own amplified-sound rules.
Amplified music exceeding the limits or creating a disturbance can draw a civil citation or misdemeanor charge, up to $1,000 for a first offense and $1,500 for subsequent offenses.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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