Montgomery County, MD Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Montgomery County, MD, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Nighttime hours (weekdays)
- 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Residential nighttime limit
- 55 dBA
- Residential daytime limit
- 65 dBA
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Environmental Protection
- Violation class
- Class A, up to $500 civil fine
Summary
Montgomery County caps residential noise at 55 dBA at night (9 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays, 9 p.m.-9 a.m. weekends) versus 65 dBA by day, and separately bans any noise that creates a disturbance, under Code Chapter 31B.
Except as otherwise provided in Sections 31B-6(a), 31B-6A, and 31B-8, a person must not cause or permit noise levels that exceed the following levels: Maximum Allowable Noise Levels (dBA) for Receiving Noise Areas Daytime Nighttime Non-residential noise area 67 62 Residential noise area 65 55. ... (b) Noise disturbance. A person must not cause or permit noise that creates a noise disturbance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 31B sets numeric decibel ceilings instead of a blanket curfew. In residential noise areas the daytime limit (7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends/holidays) is 65 dBA; it drops to 55 dBA at night (9 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays, 9 p.m.-9 a.m. weekends/holidays). Non-residential areas run 67/62 dBA. Section 31B-5(b) separately bars any noise that creates a 'noise disturbance' regardless of the decibel reading, and prominent discrete tones or impulsive noise must stay 5 dBA below the applicable limit. The Department of Environmental Protection enforces countywide; municipalities may instead designate their own enforcement officer under this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Class A violation: civil citation up to $500 for a first offense, $750 for a repeat offense (or misdemeanor prosecution up to $1,000/6 months). Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Montgomery County's quiet hours?
Can I be cited even if I'm under the decibel limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland noise ordinances overview
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