Prince William County, VA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Prince William County, VA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Audible-distance limit
- 50 feet from property line
- Shared-wall rule
- No sound through common partitions
- Night commercial advertising
- Prohibited
- Code section
- PWC Code § 14-5(6)
- First-offense penalty
- Class 4 misdemeanor
Summary
Prince William County Code § 14-5(6) prohibits any sound production device that emits sound audible 50 feet or more from the property boundary, or through walls shared by two residences. Amplified music also must meet the § 14-4 decibel limits (60 dBA day / 55 night residential).
The playing of any sound production device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound in such a manner as to emit sound audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the boundary of the property from which it is being emitted or audible through partitions common to two or more residences within a building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 46 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Under § 14-5(6), playing any sound production device (musical instrument, loudspeaker, radio, TV, music player, PA system or amplifying equipment) in a manner that emits sound audible 50 feet or more from the property boundary, or audible through partitions common to two or more residences, is a violation. Commercial advertising via loudspeakers on vehicles or at businesses is barred entirely during nighttime, and permitted at other times only for music or non-obscene speech and not within 100 yards of hospitals, schools, churches or courthouses. The § 14-4 decibel caps also apply.
Violations & Fines
Class 4 misdemeanor for a first offense; Class 3 for a repeat within 365 days. A civil penalty of up to $250 (first) or $500 (second) may be imposed in lieu of criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can amplified music be in Prince William County?
Can businesses use loudspeakers to advertise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince William County
Compare Prince William County to another location·View the Virginia noise ordinances overview
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