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Jersey City, NJ Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Quiet hours in Jersey City, NJ, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Nighttime window: 10:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
Outdoor residential nighttime cap: 50 dB (vs. 65 dB daytime)
Indoor residential nighttime cap: 40 dB (vs. 55 dB daytime)
Portable sound device nighttime distance: 25 feet (vs. 50 ft daytime)
Governing sections: Code §§ 222-5.2, 222-5.4.G

Summary

Jersey City's noise code drops the allowable ambient sound level at residential property from 65 dB to 50 dB outdoors, and 55 dB to 40 dB indoors, at 10:00 p.m. under Table I and Table II of Section 222-5.2, running until 7:00 a.m. That nighttime step-down, not a single named curfew section, is Jersey City's quiet-hours rule.

Maximum A-weighted sound level standard, dB [Table I: Residential Property] Time 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. ... 65 / 50 ... Self-contained, portable, non-vehicular music or sound production devices shall not be operated on a public space or public right-of-way in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet in any direction from the operator between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., sound ... shall not be plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet in any direction from the operator.

Source: Sec. 222-2 General StandardView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).

Full Breakdown

2's Tables I and II build the nighttime curfew directly into the numeric sound limits. m. clock. C. F) must self-terminate within five minutes of continuous sound or fifteen minutes of intermittent sound at any hour. B.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the nighttime 50 dB outdoor / 40 dB indoor residential limits, or violating the tighter 10 p.m.-to-7 a.m. audibility distances for portable and vehicle sound equipment, draws a notice of violation (minor, with up to 90 days to voluntarily correct) or a notice of penalty assessment with a civil fine up to $2,000 per offense under Section 222-5.6.B, each additional day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jersey City have set quiet hours?

Not as a single named curfew section, but Section 222-5.2's Tables I and II cut the allowable residential sound level from 65 dB to 50 dB outdoors and 55 dB to 40 dB indoors between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and several activity rules in Section 222-5.4 tighten further at the same 10:00 p.m. pivot.

How much quieter must portable speakers be at night in Jersey City?

Under Section 222-5.4.G, portable non-vehicular music devices in public space can be audible up to 50 feet away between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., but only up to 25 feet away between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

What is the penalty for violating nighttime noise limits?

A minor violation draws a notice of violation with up to a 90-day voluntary correction period; a non-minor or repeat violation within 365 days draws a notice of penalty assessment carrying a civil fine of up to $2,000 per offense under Section 222-5.6.B, with continuing days as separate offenses.

Sources & Official References

[1]Jersey City Code § 222-5.2 & § 222-5.4

Other rules in Jersey City

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All Jersey City rules

How Jersey City compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Jersey City to another location·View the New Jersey noise ordinances overview

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