Memphis, TN Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Memphis, 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
- Prohibited devices
- Drum, loudspeaker, instrument to attract attention
- Applies to
- Performances, shows, sales, merchandise display
- Time restriction
- None stated: applies at all hours
- Exemption
- Noncommercial public addresses, § 9-68-13(3)
- Maximum fine
- $50.00 general penalty, § 1-24-1(A)
- Additional penalty
- Up to $200.00, § 1-24-1(C)
Summary
Memphis Code § 9-68-3 prohibits using a drum, loudspeaker or other instrument to create noise for the purpose of attracting attention to a performance, show, sale or display of merchandise anywhere in the city. The ban applies regardless of decibel level or time of day, though § 9-68-13(3) exempts reasonable use of amplifiers or loudspeakers for noncommercial public addresses.
The use of any drum, loudspeaker or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention, by creation of noise, to any performance, show or sale or display of merchandise is prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Section 9-68-3 sits inside Chapter 9-68, Noise Control, alongside the city's general ban on unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in § 9-68-1. It specifically targets promotional noise: using any drum, loudspeaker or other instrument or device to attract attention, by creating noise, to a performance, show, or the sale or display of merchandise. Unlike the radio and phonograph rule in § 9-68-4, this section carries no time window, the prohibition runs at all hours, so a sidewalk sale or street performance that uses a drum or PA system to pull in a crowd violates the section whether it happens at noon or midnight.
The chapter's exemption in § 9-68-13(3) carves out 'the reasonable use of amplifiers or loudspeakers in the course of public addresses which are noncommercial in character,' so a political rally or civic announcement using a bullhorn is not covered, but a business drawing customers with amplified music or a barker's drum is. The section also sits alongside § 9-68-2, which separately bars excessive noise on any street adjacent to a school, church, court or hospital while in session, and § 9-68-11, which bans loudspeakers or amplifiers mounted on trucks or other vehicles for advertising.
None of the chapter's noise provisions specify a decibel meter test; Memphis instead enforces by the nuisance standard set in § 9-68-1, noise that disturbs the peace, comfort or repose of others, applied to the specific device or activity named in each section.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 9-68 is not among the chapters listed in § 1-24-1(C) for a mandatory $200.00 minimum, so a first violation of § 9-68-3 is punished under the general penalty in § 1-24-1(A): a fine of up to $50.00, plus an automatic additional penalty of up to $200.00 under § 1-24-1(C). Each day the noise-making continues is charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a street vendor use a drum or loudspeaker to draw customers in Memphis?
Is there an exception for political rallies or public announcements?
What's the fine for violating Memphis's promotional-noise ban?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
Compare Memphis to another location·View the Tennessee noise ordinances overview
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