Amplified music rules in Detroit, MI — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Amplified music is regulated by §36-1-1(a) (general reasonableness) and §36-1-1(b) (motor-vehicle audio audible past ten feet). Fixed outdoor speakers are separately restricted by §36-1-2. Permitted parades and public gatherings under §40-1-25 or §50-9-16 are exempt.
Section 36-1-1(a) makes it unlawful to unreasonably disturb the public peace by playing a CD player, musical instrument, phonograph, radio, tape player, television, or any other device that amplifies, produces, or reproduces sound. Section 36-1-1(b) creates a bright-line motor-vehicle rule: amplified sound from any parked or moving vehicle that is plainly audible past ten (10) feet is unlawful. Section 36-1-2 separately restricts fixed outdoor speakers. The §36-1-5 exceptions cover city-approved parades and public gatherings, Chapter 38 alarms, safety signals, and official police and fire activity. Permitted block parties and festivals are not in violation during their permit.
General §36-1-1(a) violations are misdemeanors under §36-1-6(a) - up to $500 and 90 days. Vehicle violations under §36-1-1(b) carry minimum fines of $100 (first), $200 (second), $300 (third) with jail discretion at the third.
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