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Worcester, MA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Cap in ≤45 mph zones
82 dB(A)
Cap in >45 mph zones
86 dB(A)
Measurement distance
55 feet from center lane
Statutory measurement standard
G.L. c. 90, § 7U
Fine per violation
$50, noncriminal disposition

Summary

Worcester's code does not set a single flat decibel table for every noise source; most rules use a distance-based "plainly audible" test instead. The one fixed dB(A) figure in Chapter 9 applies to motorcycles: 82 dB(A) in 45-mph-or-slower zones, 86 dB(A) above that, measured with a sound level meter.

No person shall operate a motorcycle in such a manner as to exceed 82 dB(A) when operated at a speed of 45 mph or less, or in such a manner as to exceed 86 dB(A) when operated within a speed zone of over 45 mph. The sound level shall be measured by a sound level meter at a distance of fifty-five feet or more from the center lane of travel, as provided in G.L. c. 90, § 7U.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 1A(d)(2) is the only place in Worcester's noise chapter that states a hard decibel ceiling rather than a distance or ambient-relative test: "No person shall operate a motorcycle in such a manner as to exceed 82 dB(A) when operated at a speed of 45 mph or less, or in such a manner as to exceed 86 dB(A) when operated within a speed zone of over 45 mph. c. m. on Sundays and holidays) for hand tools and yelling in Section 1A(e)(5) and (e)(8). c. 90, § 7U, meaning Worcester police measure compliance the same way as the state's motor vehicle inspection program rather than a locally invented protocol.

Violations & Fines

A motorcycle measured above 82 dB(A) in a 45-mph-or-under zone, or above 86 dB(A) in a faster zone, violates Section 1A(d)(2) and draws the standard $50 fine under Section 1A(h), issued as a noncriminal citation under G.L. c. 40, § 21D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Worcester have one decibel limit that applies citywide by zone?
No. Most of Chapter 9's noise rules use a plainly-audible distance test (25, 50, or 125 feet) or compare sound to ambient levels rather than a fixed number. The only hard dB(A) ceiling in the chapter applies specifically to motorcycles.
What is the motorcycle decibel limit in Worcester?
Section 1A(d)(2) caps motorcycles at 82 dB(A) in zones of 45 mph or less and 86 dB(A) in zones over 45 mph, measured at 55 feet or more from the center lane using the method in G.L. c. 90, § 7U.
Are there quiet hours instead of a decibel table?
Yes, for specific activities. Power tools and yelling are restricted between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays (9:00 a.m. on Sundays and holidays) under Section 1A(e)(5) and (e)(8), rather than a single decibel figure.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Worcester

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Worcester rules

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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities

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Leominster, MA
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