East Brunswick, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Section 147-9(F) of the Township Code regulates self-contained, portable, non-vehicular music or sound production devices operated on a public space or public right-of-way in East Brunswick Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. the sound cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator. Between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. it cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator. Section 147-2 defines public space as real property or structures owned, leased or controlled by a governmental entity, and public right-of-way as any street, avenue, boulevard, road, highway, sidewalk, alley or easement owned, leased or controlled by a governmental entity.

Plainly audible means any sound that can be detected by a Noise Control Officer or Noise Control Investigator using unaided hearing of normal acuity. For a portable or vehicular sound device, detecting the rhythmic bass component of the music is sufficient, and the officer need not identify the title, words or artist. Because the test needs no meter, a Noise Control Investigator can enforce it under § 147-5(B).

Vehicles use the same distances. Under § 147-10(C), personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment cannot be plainly audible at 25 feet in any direction from the operator between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Under § 147-10(D), it cannot be plainly audible at 50 feet between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Section 147-10 treats a violation of each paragraph as purposeful and therefore non-minor. Loudspeakers and public address systems have their own enforcement line in § 147-6.2(C), and sound reproduction systems creating a noise disturbance fall under § 147-6.2(A). Sound production devices required or sanctioned under the Americans with Disabilities Act, FEMA or other government agencies are exempt under § 147-4(B) to the extent they comply with the enabling rule. In Township parks, § 158-12A lists Amplified Music at $50.00 and $100.00 on its fine schedule.