Scottsdale, AZ Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Scottsdale, AZ, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Audibility trigger
- Heard 50+ feet from vehicle
- Alternate trigger
- Disturbs anyone's quiet/repose
- Exempt vehicles
- Emergency, utility, government
- Also exempt
- Permitted parade/political ads
- Penalty class
- Class 1 misdemeanor via § 1-8
Summary
Scottsdale bars operating a mobile sound amplification system, essentially any vehicle-mounted radio, stereo or speaker rig, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. if it can be heard 50 feet away or disturbs anyone's peace. Emergency, utility and permitted-event vehicles are exempt, and violators face misdemeanor penalties.
(a)Unless the system is being operated to request assistance of an emergency nature or to warn of a hazardous situation, and except as authorized by law, no person shall operate or permit the operation of any mobile sound amplification system between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. which:(1)Can be heard fifty (50) or more feet from the vehicle; or(2)Annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
if it either can be heard fifty feet or more from the vehicle, or annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort or repose of anyone nearby, unless the system is being used to request emergency assistance or warn of a hazard. Subsection (c) defines 'sound amplification system' broadly to include any radio, stereo, musical instrument, phonograph, or other device for amplifying or reproducing sound. § 28-101, vehicles operated by a gas, electric, communications or water utility or a governmental entity, and vehicles used for advertising in a parade or a political or special event permitted by the city.
Because § 19-20 sets no fine of its own, subsection (d) routes violations to the code's general penalty provision, § 1-8, which classifies unlisted-penalty violations as a Class 1 misdemeanor and treats each day a violation continues as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Section 19-20(d) makes a violation a misdemeanor punishable as provided in § 1-8, the code's general penalty section, which classifies the offense as a Class 1 misdemeanor sentenced under A.R.S. §§ 13-707, 13-802 and 13-804, and treats each continuing day of violation as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours does Scottsdale restrict loud car stereos?
Are any vehicles exempt from Scottsdale's mobile sound curfew?
What is the penalty for violating Scottsdale's sound amplification curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scottsdale
Compare Scottsdale to another location·View the Arizona noise ordinances overview
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Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle amplified music & outdoor sound.