Amplified music rules in Prince William County, VA — also called sound permit, PA system, or live music ordinances — set decibel limits, time-of-day restrictions, and when permits are required.
Prince William County Code § 14-5(6) prohibits any sound production device that emits sound audible 50 feet or more from the property boundary, or through walls shared by two residences. Amplified music also must meet the § 14-4 decibel limits (60 dBA day / 55 night residential).
Under § 14-5(6), playing any sound production device (musical instrument, loudspeaker, radio, TV, music player, PA system or amplifying equipment) in a manner that emits sound audible 50 feet or more from the property boundary, or audible through partitions common to two or more residences, is a violation. Commercial advertising via loudspeakers on vehicles or at businesses is barred entirely during nighttime, and permitted at other times only for music or non-obscene speech and not within 100 yards of hospitals, schools, churches or courthouses. The § 14-4 decibel caps also apply.
Class 4 misdemeanor for a first offense; Class 3 for a repeat within 365 days. A civil penalty of up to $250 (first) or $500 (second) may be imposed in lieu of criminal charges.
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