Attleboro, MA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Attleboro, MA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Audibility Standard
- Plainly audible at 200 feet
- State Standard
- 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10)
- Enforcement
- Attleboro Police Department
- Contact
- 508-222-1212 (non-emergency)
Summary
Attleboro adopted a noise ordinance giving police the ability to issue citations and fines for excessive noise. Noise plainly audible at 200 feet may trigger enforcement. The MassDEP 310 CMR 7.10 regulation also applies, prohibiting sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line.
Section 21. Towns may, for the purposes hereinafter named, make such ordinances and by-laws, not repugnant to law, as they may judge most conducive to their welfare, which shall be binding upon all inhabitants thereof and all persons within their limits. They may, except as herein provided, affix penalties for breaches thereof not exceeding three hundred dollars for each offense, which shall enure to the town or to such uses as it may direct. Notwithstanding the provisions of any special law to the contrary, fines shall be recovered by indictment or on complaint before a district court, or by noncriminal disposition in accordance with section twenty-one D.
(1) For directing and managing their prudential affairs, preserving peace and good order, and maintaining their internal police.
(22) For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
Full Breakdown
Attleboro local bylaw or ordinance establishes quiet hours and noise limits for residential areas. Massachusetts General Laws c.272 §53 provides baseline enforcement statewide for disturbing the peace. MassDEP Noise Policy (310 CMR 7.10) provides guidance but no numeric residential standards. Municipalities set their own limits, typically 55 to 65 dBA. MA typically has later quiet hours (11 PM) compared to other states. Local police handle residential noise complaints.
Violations & Fines
First offense warning or citation. Municipal fines $50 to $300. MGL c.272 §53: fine up to $200 or imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Attleboro?
What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in Attleboro?
Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
Other rules in Attleboro
How Attleboro compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Attleboro to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle quiet hours.