Johnston County, NC Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Johnston County, NC, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Curfew hours flagged
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Enforcing agency
- Johnston County Sheriff's Office
- Offense class
- Class 3 misdemeanor
- First-offense fine minimum
- $50.00
- Third-offense fine minimum
- $500.00 or more
- Last amended
- Dec. 6, 2021
Summary
Playing a radio, TV, record player, musical instrument or any sound-amplifying device loudly enough to disturb neighbors is unlawful in unincorporated Johnston County, especially between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Section 12-32(d)(3) targets sound reaching dwellings, motels or hotels; the Sheriff's Office enforces it as a Class 3 misdemeanor with fines rising per offense.
(3) The playing of any radio, television set, record player, musical instrument or sound-producing or sound- amplifying device in such manner or with such volume, particularly, but not limited to, the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons of reasonable and ordinary firmness and normal sensibilities in any dwelling, motel, hotel or other type of residence. ... (e) Enforcement. The violation of this section shall be punished as provided under G.S. 14-4. Any person or corporation or other legal entity violating this article shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500.00. A first violation of this article shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $50.00; a second violation shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $150.00; and a third violation, or more, each shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $500.00.
Full Breakdown
Johnston County Code § 12-32 makes it unlawful to create an unreasonably loud or disturbing noise anywhere in the county. Subsection (d)(3) singles out amplified sound: playing a radio, television, record player, musical instrument or any sound-producing or sound-amplifying device in a manner or at a volume that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of ordinary people in a dwelling, motel, hotel or other residence. as the period of particular concern, though the ban is not limited to those hours if the noise otherwise disturbs a residence.
Subsection (c) lists factors deputies weigh when judging a complaint, including time of day, proximity to residential structures, whether the sound has been electronically or mechanically amplified, and whether it is recurring or constant. ; after that hour, participants creating noise banned by section 12-32 are in violation regardless of the event. Enforcement runs through subsection (e), which applies the same penalty structure as the article's general penalty clause in section 12-31.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a Class 3 misdemeanor under G.S. 14-4, capped at a $500.00 fine. Johnston County layers its own minimums on top: a first violation carries a fine of at least $50.00, a second at least $150.00, and a third or subsequent violation at least $500.00. Complaints go to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, which can cite the responsible person directly under section 12-32(d)(3).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music at any volume before 11 p.m. in unincorporated Johnston County?
Who enforces the amplified sound rule in Johnston County?
What is the fine for a second amplified-noise citation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johnston County
Compare Johnston County to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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