Quiet hours in Providence County, RI — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Rhode Island has no statewide residential quiet hours. Providence County has no county government and does not enact ordinances. Noise regulations are set entirely by individual municipalities within the county. RIDEM has authority over industrial and environmental noise under RIGL 23-23 (Air Pollution Control Act) but does not regulate residential quiet hours.
Providence County local ordinance establishes quiet hours and noise limits for residential areas. Rhode Island General Laws §11-45 provides statewide enforcement for disorderly conduct including unreasonable noise. RI DEM handles environmental noise complaints. Municipalities set their own decibel limits, typically 55 to 65 dBA residential. Most RI cities enforce 10 PM to 7 AM quiet hours, earlier than many neighboring states. Local police handle residential noise complaints and enforce municipal ordinances.
First offense warning or citation. Municipal fines $50 to $300. RI Gen Laws §11-45: fine up to $500 or imprisonment up to 6 months.
Providence County, RI
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See how Providence County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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