Amplified music rules in Indianapolis, IN — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Indianapolis Revised Code section 391-302(c)(2) prohibits radios, loudspeakers, sound amplifiers, and musical instruments that make unreasonable noise, and treats sound that is plainly audible off the property between 10 PM and 7 AM, or more than 75 feet away in a public place, as prima facie evidence of a violation.
Amplified music and sound in Indianapolis is governed by section 391-302(c)(2) of the consolidated Revised Code, titled 'Machines and devices for producing sound.' The provision bars 'playing, using, or operating, or permitting to be played, used, or operated, any radio, television, digital media player, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, musical instrument, or any machine or device for producing or reproducing sound in a manner that makes unreasonable noise and continuing to do so after being asked to stop, except when a permit granted therefor for some special occasion is in effect.' The code then sets three bright-line triggers that establish prima facie evidence of a violation: (a) sound plainly audible to a person with normal hearing 'from any place other than the property on which the sound source is located' between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; (b) sound plainly audible 'from a distance greater than seventy-five (75) feet from the sound source' when the device is located in any public street or public place; or (c) sound in a public conveyance (other than a taxicab or jitney), unless heard only through earplugs by a voluntary listener. A separate provision for vendor vehicles, section 391-302(c)(14), caps mobile sales-vehicle sound-amplification equipment at 115 decibels measured six inches from the speaker and bans operating it between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on any public street.
First violation in any twelve-month period: civil penalty via the ordinance violations bureau. Second violation: not less than $250.00; subsequent violations: not less than $500.00 (section 391-302(d)).
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