Passaic County, NJ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Passaic County, NJ, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Audibility threshold
- Plainly audible at 25 feet = evidence
- Covered equipment
- Radios, TVs, speakers, sound amplifiers
- Sound trucks
- Explicitly prohibited on park premises
- Unamplified noise
- Yelling/whistling also covered
- Penalty
- Up to $200 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
Playing a radio, speaker or other sound device loud enough to be heard 25 feet away is 'prima facia evidence' of a noise violation in a Passaic County park, under Article II, Section 33(1). The broader rule bans any 'loud or unusual noise' that disturbs park visitors, and specifically calls out sound trucks.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any loud or unusual noise, or any noise which annoys, disturbs or endangers the comfort, or health peace or safety of any person. The prohibition includes sound trucks on park premises... 1. The using, operating, and permitting to be played, used or operated, or any radio receiving set, television, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound, in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring inhabitants... The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, machine or device in such manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet from the place where it is located, shall be prima facia evidence of a violation of this ordinance.
Full Breakdown
' Subsection 1 then gives amplified sound its own bright-line test rather than leaving it to the general standard alone. ' That means a ranger or Sheriff's deputy does not need to prove someone was actually disturbed, audibility at 25 feet is enough evidence on its own. Subsection 2 separately covers unamplified noise, yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing that annoys or disturbs 'the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity', so a loud unamplified group can be cited under Section 33 even without any equipment involved.
Violations & Fines
No separate penalty appears in Section 33, so Article I, Section 1(f)'s default applies: up to 90 days in the county jail, a fine of up to $200, or both. Because the 25-foot audibility test is only 'prima facia evidence,' an officer's observation from that distance is enough to support a citation without additional proof of actual disturbance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my speaker be in a Passaic County park?
Are sound trucks specifically banned?
Can I get cited for yelling even without any equipment?
What's the penalty for a noise violation in a county park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic County
Compare Passaic County to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview
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