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Harford County, MD Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Amplified music rules in Harford County, MD, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.

Key Facts

Covered
Radios, speakers, instruments
Overnight rule
Barred after 11 p.m.
Night dBA limit
55 dBA property line
Event permits
Bel Air, Havre de Grace

Summary

Harford County Code § 193-8 bars amplified music from radios, sound systems, and instruments between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when audible more than 50 feet onto residential property. COMAR caps it at 55 dBA overnight.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Harford County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person shall not make or cause to be made between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. any noise produced vocally, with any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, any device intended for the production or reproduction of sound, or any household tool or other household equipment, if the noise is audible on any property that is used for residential purposes and is located more than 50 feet from the source of the noise.

Source: Maryland CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4988582; v46 updated 2026-06-09; through 06-09-2026).

Full Breakdown

Amplified music is squarely covered by Harford County Code § 193-8, which names radios, phonographs, musical instruments, and any device for producing or reproducing sound. Between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., that sound cannot be audible more than 50 feet away on residential property. During the day and evening, Maryland's COMAR 26.02.03.02 caps residential noise at 65 dBA at the property line, dropping to 55 dBA at night. Bel Air and Havre de Grace require permits for outdoor amplified events and set their own conditions. The Sheriff's Office enforces county complaints and can issue a civil fine.

Violations & Fines

Amplified sound audible on residential property after 11 p.m. violates § 193-8; refusing an officer's order to lower it brings a civil fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play loud music at night in Harford County?
No. Harford County Code § 193-8 prohibits amplified music audible more than 50 feet onto residential property between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor event?
In Bel Air and Havre de Grace, yes, for amplified outdoor events. Unincorporated Harford County relies on the § 193-8 hours and COMAR dBA limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harford County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingLight RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Harford County rules

Compare Harford County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview

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