Howell, NJ Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Howell, NJ, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Radios and TVs
- Plainly audible at 50 feet, 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., is prima facie evidence
- Yelling on public streets
- Named example, particularly 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Residential power tools
- Barred 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. under § 208-9A
- Fine range
- $100 to $2,000
- Other penalties
- Up to 90 days imprisonment or community service
- Adopted
- 9-16-2025, Ord. No. 25-35
Summary
Howell Township makes unreasonably loud, unnecessary or unusual noise unlawful at any hour under Township Code § 211-7. From 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., a radio or television plainly audible at 50 feet is prima facie evidence of a violation, and yelling on public streets between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is a named example.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any unreasonably loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which either unreasonably disturbs or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the limits of the Township. ... (1) Radios; televisions; phonographs. ... The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in such manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facia evidence of a violation of this article. (2) Yelling; shouting. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any office, dwelling, hotel, motel or other type of residence or of any persons in the vicinity.
Full Breakdown
Article III of Chapter 211, adopted 9-16-2025 by Ord. No. 25-35, sets Howell Township's nighttime noise standard. Section 211-7 makes it unlawful to make, continue or cause any unreasonably loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that unreasonably disturbs or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the Township. Section 211-8 then lists examples. Operating a radio, television, musical instrument, phonograph or other sound device so that it disturbs neighbors, including neighbors in attached units sharing a common wall, is unlawful at any time, and operation between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. so that it is plainly audible at 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle is prima facie evidence of a violation. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets, particularly between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., is also listed.
Other Howell clocks sit in Chapter 208. Under § 208-9A, power tools, home maintenance tools and yard equipment used by a residential owner or tenant cannot run between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. unless they meet the Table I, II or III limits. Under § 208-9C, construction and demolition cannot take place between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays or between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and federal holidays, with emergency work excluded. Landscape machinery under § 211-8A(6) runs only from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday or a state or federal holiday.
Section 211-9 exempts sounds from municipality-sponsored or approved celebrations, emergency vehicles, garbage trucks and snow and ice removal, municipal, county or state projects, bells and chimes in religious observance, and approved commercial activities operating under Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment conditions.
Violations & Fines
Under § 211-10, a violation of Article III is punishable on conviction by a fine of no less than $100 and no more than $2,000, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, community service of not more than 90 days, or any combination, as the Municipal Court Judge decides. Each successive day of a continuing violation is a separate offense, and the person allowing the violation can be punished for each one. A court can also order summary abatement by restraining order or injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Howell Township?
Is a loud party illegal in Howell Township after 11:00 p.m.?
What is the fine for violating the noise article?
Are there exemptions from Howell's noise article?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howell
How Howell compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Howell to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle quiet hours.