Evansville, IN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Evansville, IN, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Night limit
- 25 ft, 10pm-8am
- Day limit
- 50 ft, 8am-10pm
- Enforced by
- EPD or EPA
- Repeat-offense fine
- up to $7,500
Summary
Evansville limits vehicle music amplification to a 25-foot audible distance from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. and a 50-foot distance from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., measured in any direction from the operator.
(3) Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that it is plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(4) Personal or commercial vehicular music amplification or reproduction equipment shall not be operated in such a manner that is 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.
(D) Any outdoor event using loudspeakers or other form of artificial or electric amplification may not continue said amplification between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday evenings, and between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.
(E) A determined violation of this chapter may not be based on the content of any message conveyed during the creation of any noise or the identity of the person responsible for or associated with the creation of any noise. [Ord. G-2022-28 § 1, passed 3-3-23; Ord. G-2018-11 § 3, passed 6-13-18.]
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
EMC 9.30.050(C) singles out vehicle-mounted music amplification within the City's noise chapter. Between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. the sound cannot be plainly audible 25 feet from the vehicle in any direction; from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. the audible distance widens to 50 feet. The rule covers both personal and commercial sound equipment and is enforced by the Evansville Police Department or the Evansville Environmental Protection Agency, which need only recognize a song's rhythmic bass component to establish that it is 'plainly audible.'
Violations & Fines
First offense: written warning; then escalating fines of $50, $150, $500, and $500-$7,500 per violation for later offenses. EMC 9.30.060(B).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Evansville at night?
What happens on a first car-stereo noise violation in Evansville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evansville
Compare Evansville to another location·View the Indiana noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.