Kingsport, TN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Kingsport, TN, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Vehicle audibility limit
- Plainly audible at 50 feet or more is prohibited
- Where it applies
- Public street, highway, alley, parking lot or driveway
- Park amplification
- Written authorization from the city manager required
- Park authorization cap
- Not to exceed ten days, city-sponsored events such as Fun Fest
- Enclosed stadium exemption
- Fenced or walled venues with a spectator admission charge
- General penalty
- Not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00 under Sec. 1-14
Summary
In the City of Kingsport, Tennessee, a vehicle's sound system cannot be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more on any public street, alley, parking lot or driveway. Sound amplifying devices in parks need written authorization from the city manager, limited to ten days for city-sponsored recreation.
(a)No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system including, but not limited to, any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker, or any other electrical device used for the amplification of sound from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vehicle. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "plainly audible" means any sound that clearly can be heard, by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of 50 feet or more; however, words or phrases need not be discernible and such sound shall include bass reverberation. ... (a)It shall be unlawful to maintain or operate any radio, television, tape player, loudspeaker or other sound amplifying device in or upon any park or recreation area, except upon written authorization by the city manager, in violation of section 62-25.
Full Breakdown
Section 62-29 of the Kingsport Code of Ordinances, enacted as Ord. No. 5272 on 1-18-2005, sets the amplified-sound standard for motor vehicles. Subsection (a) bars a person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway from operating or permitting the operation of any sound amplification system, including any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker, or other electrical device that amplifies sound from within the vehicle, so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vehicle. The Code defines plainly audible as any sound that clearly can be heard by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of 50 feet or more. Words or phrases need not be discernible, and the sound includes bass reverberation. The test is a distance-and-hearing standard, not a decibel reading, and the text carries no hour-of-day condition.
Subsection (b) lists exemptions: emergency or public safety vehicles; vehicles owned and operated by a municipal or county government or any utility company, for sound emitted unavoidably during a job-related operation; school or community sponsored activities; auctioneers or auctioning activities; boats or other watercraft operated on waters; and any motor vehicle used in an authorized public activity for which a permit has been granted by the appropriate agency of a municipal or county government. The Code repeats the same rule as Section 98-627 in Chapter 98, Article X (Motor Vehicle Noise), whose measurement rules use a sound level meter and dBA readings for vehicle noise.
Parks have their own rule in Section 66-108. It is unlawful to maintain or operate any radio, television, tape player, loudspeaker or other sound amplifying device in or upon any park or recreation area, except upon written authorization by the city manager. That authorization can be granted only for a period not to exceed ten days, when the use is in connection with a recreational activity sponsored by the city such as Fun Fest, or when a public address system or sound amplifying device is used for activities at that site in conjunction with such an event. Subsection (b) exempts fenced, walled or enclosed stadiums or arenas where sports activities are held and a spectator admission charge applies. Section 62-25(b), the disorderly conduct section, adds that a person violates it by making unreasonable noise which prevents others from carrying on lawful activities.
Violations & Fines
Neither Section 62-29 nor Section 66-108 prints its own penalty, so the general penalty in Section 1-14 applies: not less than $10.00 or more than $50.00, unless otherwise provided by ordinance or state law allows a greater amount. Under Section 1-14(c), each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Motor vehicle noise stops in Chapter 98 use sound meter certification by officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my car stereo be in Kingsport?
Does bass count toward the 50-foot rule?
Can I play amplified music in a Kingsport park?
Who is exempt from the vehicle sound rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kingsport
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