Bronx County Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- Quiet Hours
- 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM
- Daytime Hours
- 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Nighttime Threshold
- 7 dB(A) above ambient
- Daytime Threshold
- 10 dB(A) above ambient
- Enforcement
- DEP / NYPD / OATH
- Code Reference
- Admin. Code § 24-218
The Short Version
New York City enforces strict noise rules under the NYC Noise Code (Title 24, Chapter 2 of the Administrative Code). Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM, during which the threshold for unreasonable noise drops to 7 dB(A) above ambient levels. During daytime hours (7 AM to 10 PM), noise exceeding 10 dB(A) above ambient is considered unreasonable. Violations are adjudicated at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) and carry civil penalties.
Full Breakdown
New York City's Noise Code, codified in Title 24, Chapter 2 of the Administrative Code, applies uniformly across all five boroughs including the Bronx. Section 24-218 establishes the general prohibition against unreasonable noise, using a relative standard tied to ambient sound levels rather than fixed decibel caps.
During nighttime quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM), any sound attributable to a source that measures 7 dB(A) or more above the ambient sound level — as measured at any point within a receiving property or 15 feet or more from the source on a public right-of-way — constitutes unreasonable noise. During the day (7 AM to 10 PM), the threshold rises to 10 dB(A) above ambient. This relative approach means enforcement adapts to the neighborhood context: a quieter residential block in Riverdale has a lower baseline than a commercial corridor on Fordham Road.
The Noise Code specifically regulates amplified music from commercial establishments: between 10 PM and 7 AM, such music must not exceed 45 dBA as measured inside any nearby residential unit. Vehicle alarms are limited to three minutes of continuous sound. Religious institutions receive an exemption for bells, chimes, and organs used from within a house of worship. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the NYPD share enforcement responsibilities, with summonses adjudicated at OATH.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Noise Code violations are civil infractions adjudicated at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Penalties range from $140 to $2,625 or more depending on the specific violation. Muffler noise violations (§ 24-236(e)) carry fines of $800 to $2,625. Non-emergency horn honking (§ 24-237(a)) carries fines of $350 to $3,000. Ignoring a summons results in a default judgment with maximum fines, a $60 hearing fee, 9% annual interest, and potential property liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are quiet hours in the Bronx?
How do I file a noise complaint in the Bronx?
Are there exceptions to the NYC Noise Code?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Bronx County
Decibel Limits
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances · Bronx County, NY
NYC uses a relative decibel standard rather than fixed zone-based caps. Unreasonable noise is defined as sound exceeding 7 dB(A) above ambient at night and 1...
Construction Hours
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances · Bronx County, NY
Under § 24-222 of the NYC Administrative Code, construction work is limited to weekdays between 7 AM and 6 PM. Work outside these hours and on weekends requi...
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