Bristol Township, PA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime ceiling
- 55 dBA, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., residential zones
- Night ceiling
- 45 dBA, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., residential zones
- Measurement point
- 30 feet away or as the enforcement official deems practicable
- Vehicle limit
- 86 decibels for post-1982 motorcycles and all car engines
- Citing authority
- Any Bristol Township police officer
- Repeat fine cap
- Doubled each time, up to $1,000 per offense
Summary
In residential zones of Bristol Township, Bucks County, noise becomes an excessive disturbance above 55 dBA between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and above 45 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Readings are taken from 30 feet away or another practicable standard-compliant point chosen by the enforcement official.
§ 129-1. Definition of noise disturbance. A. As used in this chapter, "noise disturbance" is defined as any sound that endangers the safety or health of any person, disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities, or endangers personal or real property. The measure of disturbance shall be measured in accordance with the A-weighted decibel scale which is expressed as "dBA." B. In those areas of the Township zoned residential as defined by the Bristol Township Zoning Ordinance,[1] it shall be an excessive noise disturbance for the dBA to exceed: (1) Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., 55 dBA (measurement from 30 feet away or whatever deemed practicable by the enforcement official so long as the measurement technique is compliant with suggested industry measurement standards). (2) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., 45 dBA (measurement from 30 feet away or whatever deemed practicable by the enforcement official so long as the measurement technique is compliant with suggested industry measurement standards).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 129 of the Bristol Township Code, adopted by the Township Council in 2006, sets the only numeric noise levels in the Township's code. Section 129-1A defines a noise disturbance as any sound that endangers the safety or health of any person, disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities, or endangers personal or real property, and it fixes the A-weighted decibel scale (dBA) as the yardstick.
Section 129-1B then applies two ceilings to areas zoned residential under the Bristol Township Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 205). From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the limit is 55 dBA. From 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the limit is 45 dBA. The measurement is taken from 30 feet away, or from whatever point the enforcement official deems practicable, so long as the technique complies with suggested industry measurement standards. That discretion means the official, not the resident, picks the measuring position.
Section 129-1B prints no numeric dBA figure for the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. or for non-residential zones. Those situations fall under the general prohibition in § 129-2, which makes it unlawful to cause noise that is physically annoying to a reasonable person or so harsh, prolonged and unnatural or unusual in use, time and place as to cause physical discomfort.
One other number appears in the chapter. Under § 129-3E(1), motorcycles built or rebuilt after 1982 and all car engines must be operated at or below 86 decibels, and § 129-3E(2) requires motorcycle mufflers to meet Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Inspection Law requirements and the levels in § 129-1B.
Section 129-4 exempts emergency alert sounds, emergency work to protect public health or safety, public gatherings and performances with a Township permit, warning devices on authorized emergency vehicles, and equipment used in emergency snow removal. Any full- or part-time Bristol Township police officer can issue a summary citation specifying the nature, date and time of the violation.
Violations & Fines
Under § 129-5B, a first summary conviction carries a fine stated as a minimum fine of up to $100. Each violation is a separate and distinct offense. A second or later violation by the same person or entity within any twelve-month period doubles the previous fine, up to a maximum of $1,000 for each offense. Under § 129-5C the Township can also seek an injunction to stop or abate the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit in Bristol Township?
Is there a decibel limit in the middle of the day?
Who measures and enforces the limits?
What noise is exempt from Chapter 129?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol Township
Compare Bristol Township to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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