Frederick, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Frederick, MD, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Public/vehicle audio limit
- audible at 50 ft = violation
- Bar/restaurant sound limit
- audible at 100 ft onto residential property
- Detection standard
- officer's own hearing, no song ID needed
- 1st offense fine
- $100 municipal infraction
- 3rd+ offense fine (12 mo.)
- $1,000
Summary
Under City Code § 15-21.2(c)-(d), it's unlawful to play a radio, stereo, or other sound device loud enough to be 'plainly audible' 50 feet away on public property or from a vehicle, and locations licensed to serve alcohol may not let amplified sound carry 100 feet onto neighboring residential property.
(c)It is unlawful for any person or persons to play, use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated, any radio, tape recorder, cassette player or other machine or device for reproducing sound, if the sound generated is audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the device producing the sound and if the device is located in or on either of the following:(1)Any public property, including any public street, highway, building, sidewalk, park, parking lot or thoroughfare; or(2)Any motor vehicle on a public street, highway or public space.(d)It is unlawful for any person managing, employed at, operating or occupying any location licensed to serve alcoholic beverages to use of any portion of the owned or leased property, including any common areas appurtenant to a leasehold, of such location for the operation or amplification of sound produced by a radio, tape player, phonograph, disc player, computer, speaker or other mechanical sound-making device or by an instrument, including an amplified, acoustic or percussive instrument, so that the sound of such device is plainly audible on a residential property and audible at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the device producing the sound.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Land Management Code: Supplement 13 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 112).
Full Breakdown
2(c) bars playing or operating a radio, tape player, or similar device if the sound is audible at 50 feet on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parks, or parking lots, or from a device in or on a motor vehicle on a public street. 2(d) separately targets locations licensed to serve alcoholic beverages: sound from a radio, speaker, or amplified, acoustic, or percussive instrument on the licensed property may not be plainly audible on residential property from 100 feet away. 1(h), lets a code or police officer rely on ordinary unenhanced hearing, without needing to identify the specific song, lyrics, or artist; a rhythmic bass reverberating sound alone is enough, so long as the officer can identify the source.
2(e), simple possession of one of these devices is prima facie evidence that a person operates it. The Mayor and Board of Aldermen enacted these rules after hearing testimony that amplified bass from alcohol-serving locations cracked windows and moved items in nearby homes, and cited secondary effects including litter, drunkenness, public urination, and higher crime rates near such establishments (§ 15-21(b)(5)-(6)).
Violations & Fines
A first violation is a $100 municipal infraction, a second within 12 months is $500, and a third or subsequent violation within 12 months is $1,000, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense (§ 15-21.7(a)-(b)). Police officers or other authorized city officials may also issue cease-and-desist orders under § 15-21.7(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can a car stereo be in Frederick before it's illegal?
Does Frederick have a special rule for bars and restaurants with loud music?
Does a Frederick police officer need special equipment to cite loud music?
What's the fine for a first amplified-noise violation in Frederick?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick
Compare Frederick to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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