Texarkana, TX Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound (2026)
Amplified music rules in Texarkana, TX, also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances, set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Key Facts
- Restricted hours
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Sunday rule
- Banned outright during church services
- Max fine
- $500 per offense, general penalty
- Citation
- Code of Ordinances Sec. 28-239
- Exemption
- City council can grant by resolution
Summary
Texarkana prohibits stationary loudspeakers, amplifiers, or musical instruments played loud enough to disturb neighbors, with tighter scrutiny from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and an outright ban on disrupting Sunday church services.
Except as provided in section 28-235(b), the use of any stationary loudspeaker or amplifier or other musical instrument in such manner or with such volume, particularly between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy and disturb persons of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity thereof is prohibited. The operation of such loudspeaker or amplifier or other musical instrument or device at any time on Sunday so as to disturb church services and congregations therein is likewise prohibited. Upon application by the user of such device, the city council may, by resolution, make special exemption or exception to this section for such times as the council feels will serve the public welfare.
(Code 1961, § 14-6; Ord. No. 184-2010, § 1(exh. A), 11-22-2010)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 27).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 28-239, city police and code enforcement officers can cite anyone running a stationary loudspeaker, amplifier, or musical instrument loud enough to annoy or disturb people of ordinary sensibilities nearby, with the sharpest scrutiny falling on the hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Playing such equipment at any hour on Sunday so it disrupts a church service or congregation is banned outright, regardless of volume or time. Violations are misdemeanors carrying a fine up to $500 per offense under the city's general penalty clause, and each day the disturbance continues counts as a separate offense. The city council can grant a one-time exemption by resolution.
Violations & Fines
Violating the stationary loudspeaker/amplifier noise limits is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 per offense; each day the disturbance continues counts as a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play amplified outdoor music in Texarkana at night?
Is there a total ban on amplified music on Sundays?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Texarkana
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Texarkana to another location·View the Texas noise ordinances overview
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