Quiet hours in Dallas County, TX — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
No county noise ordinance — Texas counties lack authority to enact noise ordinances. Only TX Penal Code §42.01 applies: unreasonable noise is a Class C misdemeanor ($500 max). Noise presumed unreasonable at 85 dB after officer notice. Dallas County Sheriff enforces.
Unincorporated Dallas County has no local noise ordinance because Texas counties lack the authority to enact noise regulations. The only applicable law is Texas Penal Code Section 42.01 (Disorderly Conduct), which makes unreasonable noise in a public place or near a private residence a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $500. Noise is presumed unreasonable if it exceeds 85 dB after notice from a peace officer. The Dallas County Sheriff's Office handles noise complaints in unincorporated areas. Dallas County has very little unincorporated land (less than 10% of total county area), mostly in the southeastern portion. The Department of Unincorporated Area Services (DUAS), created in 2017 via Court Order 2016-1411, coordinates services for these areas.
TX Penal Code §42.01: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Must exceed 85 dB after warning.
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See how Dallas County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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