Reading, PA Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Reading, PA, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Daytime standard
- No disturbance across property line
- Nighttime standard
- Plainly audible ban, 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Street audibility
- Violation at 50 ft on public street
- Enforced by
- Reading Police Department
Summary
Radios, stereos, loudspeakers and other sound-amplifying devices can't create a noise disturbance across a property line at any time, or be plainly audible across one between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., under Reading's noise code.
Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, automobile radio, automobile stereo or high fidelity equipment, disc or tape player, loudspeaker or other similar device ... [a]t any time in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a property line (boundary), or between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so as to be plainly audible across a property line (boundary); or which is audible on a public street for a distance of 50 feet from the place or origin of such sound or noise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 387-104.A of Reading's noise ordinance names radios, televisions, phonographs, drums, musical instruments, sound amplifiers, automobile stereos, disc players and loudspeakers as covered devices. Operating any of them so as to cause a noise disturbance across a property line is barred at any hour; between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the standard tightens to being merely 'plainly audible' across that line, and the same device is separately barred if audible 50 feet down a public street. A hand-carried or vehicle-mounted device on a public right-of-way is judged by whichever distance is less. Emergency vehicles and permitted parades or assemblies are excluded.
Violations & Fines
A violation carries a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs; unpaid fines can mean up to 30 days in jail, with each day a separate offense, and police may seize the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music loudly outdoors in Reading?
Does the rule cover car stereos?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reading
Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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