Little Rock, AR Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Little Rock, AR, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Quiet hours (general)
- 10:30 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- River Market amphitheater exception
- Midnight–7:30 a.m.
- Max fine per violation
- $1,000
- Continuing violation fine
- Up to $500/day
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 18-52
Summary
Little Rock bans loud radios, audio equipment, or musical instruments that disturb neighbors, with tighter limits from 10:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. citywide except a later cutoff for the River Market amphitheater.
The playing of any radio, phonograph, any type of audio equipment, or any musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as to annoy or disturb the quietness, comfort or peace of any persons in or around any office, hospital, or any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence. Except that the amphitheater located in the River Market will refrain from the playing of such instruments and audio equipment during the hours between 12:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 18-52(b)(2) makes it unlawful to play a radio, phonograph, audio equipment, or musical instrument at a volume that annoys or disturbs people in nearby offices, hospitals, dwellings, or hotels, particularly between 10:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The River Market amphitheater gets a carve-out: it must go quiet only between midnight and 7:30 a.m. Noncommercial amplified public addresses are exempt under Sec. 18-52(c)(3). Violations fall under the general public-peace penalty in Sec. 18-51.
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,000 per violation (double for repeats) under Sec. 1-9; continuing violations can draw up to $500 per day. Police can cite on a neighbor complaint without a decibel meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified live music outdoors after 10:30 p.m. in Little Rock?
Is there a special rule for River Market venues?
Does a permit exempt outdoor music from the noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
Compare Little Rock to another location·View the Arkansas noise ordinances overview
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