Hoboken, NJ Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Hoboken, NJ, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Residential day limit, outdoors
- 65 dB(A), 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Table I)
- Residential night limit, outdoors
- 50 dB(A), 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (Table I)
- Table IV weeknights period
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (Table IV)
- Table IV weekend nights period
- 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. (Table IV)
- Allowed increase over residual level
- 3 dB(C) and 6 dB(C) (Table IV)
- Impulsive sound ceiling
- 80 decibels (§ 133-7(B))
- Maximum civil penalty
- $2,000 per offense, each day separate
Summary
Hoboken runs two sound tests. Section 133-7 caps sound received at a residential property at 65 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., measured outdoors. Section 133-8 separately limits radios, loudspeakers and other sound production devices by how far they raise the sound level inside a complainant's residence, using the 3 dB(C) and 6 dB(C) figures in Table IV. Civil penalties reach $2,000 per offense.
No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the operation of any source of sound ... in such a manner as to create a sound level that equals or exceeds the sound level limits set forth in Tables I, II or III ... Table I Maximum Permissible A-Weighted Sound Levels When Measured Outdoors Receiving Property Category Residential property or residential portion of a multiuse property Commercial facility, public service facility, nonresidential portion of a multiuse property or community service facility Time 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 24 hours Maximum A-Weighted Sound Level Standard (dB) 65 50 65 ... No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the operation of any sound production device in such a manner that the sound crosses a property line and raises the total sound levels above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than the permissible sound level limits set forth in Table IV when measured within the residence of a complainant ... Table IV Maximum Permissible Increase in Total Sound Levels Within A Residential Property Weeknights 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Weekend nights 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. All other times 3 dB(C) 6 dB(C)
Official source re-checked November 3, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5049001; v88 updated 2026-09-02; through 09-02-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 133-7(A) bars any person from operating a source of sound so that it equals or exceeds the limits in Tables I, II or III when measured at or within the real property line of a receiving property. Table I applies outdoors. A residential property, or the residential portion of a multiuse property, is held to 65 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. A commercial facility, public service facility, community service facility or the nonresidential portion of a multiuse property is held to 65 dB(A) for 24 hours. Table II sets the indoor figures: 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 40 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. at residential receivers, and 55 dB(A) for 24 hours at commercial facilities and the nonresidential portion of multiuse property. Table II applies only when the source and the receptor are separated by a real property line and share a common or abutting wall, floor or ceiling or sit on the same parcel. Table III adds octave band limits from 31.5 Hz to 8,000 Hz. Section 133-7(B) caps impulsive sound: from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. it cannot equal or exceed 80 decibels, and from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. a sound occurring less than four times in any hour cannot equal or exceed 80 decibels, while impulsive sound that repeats four or more times in an hour is measured as continuous sound under Tables I and II.
Section 133-8 uses a different yardstick. It covers any sound production device, which § 133-2 defines as a device whose primary function is the production of sound, including a musical instrument, loudspeaker, radio, television, digital or analog music player, public address system or sound-amplifying equipment. The sound must cross a property line and raise the total sound level above the neighborhood residual sound level by more than Table IV allows, measured within the residence of a complainant with the meter set for "C" weighting, "fast" response. Table IV lists weeknights from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., weekend nights from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. and all other times, with increases of 3 dB(C) and 6 dB(C). Under § 133-6(B), indoor readings are taken at least three feet from any wall, floor or ceiling with the dwelling's own television and stereo shut off, and never in hallways, closets or bathrooms.
Violations & Fines
A violation brings a notice of violation (NOV) or a notice of penalty assessment (NOPA) from a Noise Control Officer or Investigator. The civil penalty is not more than $2,000 per offense, and each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. A minor violation draws an NOV with a correction period of up to 90 days. A nonminor violation not immediately corrected draws a NOPA, as does a repeat within 12 months. A NOPA recipient is entitled to a hearing in a municipal court having jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How far can music carry in Hoboken at night?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hoboken
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle quiet hours.