Colorado Springs, CO Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Colorado Springs, CO, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- City Code Sec. 9.8.102 (vehicle amplification); Sec. 9.8.104 (general dB limits)
- Standard
- Plain-audible without a meter; words need not be discernible
- First-offense fine
- $75 minimum (mandatory, non-waivable)
- Second-offense fine
- $150 minimum
- Third-offense fine
- $300 minimum plus forfeiture of the system
- Permit for events
- Noise hardship permit under Sec. 9.8.109
Summary
Colorado Springs City Code section 9.8.102 makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle sound amplification system that creates excessive or unusually loud noise audible without a meter, with escalating mandatory fines from $75 up to $500 and forfeiture of the equipment on a third offense. General amplified noise that exceeds the section 9.8.104 dB(A) limits for the zone is also unlawful.
9.8.102: SOUND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEMS: A. Prohibited: It is unlawful for any person to operate, drive, or be in possession of a motor vehicle which is stopped, standing, parked or moving, and to make, create or permit an excessive or unusually loud noise, or a noise which endangers public safety, or is harmful to any person, which is caused by a sound amplification system, and which can be heard without the use of an electronic measurement device or heard and measured in the manner prescribed in section 9.8.103 of this part. Words or phrases need not be discernible. B. Sound Amplification System Defined: For the purposes of this section, 'Sound Amplification System' means any radio, stereo, tape player, compact disc player, or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound. ... F. Penalties: 1. Upon conviction for a first offense for violating subsection A of this section, the court shall impose a fine of not less than seventy five dollars ($75.00), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00)... 2. Upon conviction for a second offense... not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00)... 3. Upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense... not less than three hundred dollars ($300.00)... Furthermore, the sound amplification system shall be forfeited, pursuant to subsection 9.1.205C of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 26-23, passed June 9, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Amplified music is regulated under two layers of the City Code. Section 9.8.102 (Sound Amplification Systems) targets vehicle audio: it is unlawful to operate, drive, or possess a stopped, standing, parked, or moving motor vehicle that makes excessive or unusually loud noise caused by a 'sound amplification system' (defined as any radio, stereo, tape player, compact disc player, or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound) audible without an electronic measurement device; 'words or phrases need not be discernible.' Penalties under section 9.8.102(F) are mandatory and non-waivable: not less than $75 (first offense), $150 (second), and $300 (third), each up to $500, with the amplification system forfeited on a third offense per subsection 9.1.205C.
Exceptions exist for emergency/medical/public-safety vehicles and for systems used under a hardship permit (section 9.8.109) or with City Manager approval. Separately, any amplified music - from a stereo, band, PA, or speakers - that exceeds the zone-and-time dB(A) limits in section 9.8.104 (55 dB(A) residential day / 50 dB(A) residential night) is unlawful, and section 9.8.101 independently bars excessive noise audible by ear. Outdoor events that cannot meet the limits must obtain a noise hardship permit from the City Manager under section 9.8.109.
Violations & Fines
Vehicle sound-system violations under section 9.8.102 carry mandatory minimum fines of $75 / $150 / $300 (each up to $500) for first/second/third offenses, with forfeiture of the equipment on the third offense. Non-vehicle amplified music exceeding 9.8.104 limits is prosecuted as excessive noise in Municipal Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is loud music from my car illegal even if you can't hear the words?
What are the fines for a booming car stereo?
Can I run a PA for an outdoor event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Colorado Springs
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