Brazos County, TX Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Texas Local Government Code does not delegate general noise-ordinance authority to counties, so Brazos County has no enforceable countywide quiet-hour windows for unincorporated areas. Enforcement instead relies on Texas Penal Code §42.01(a)(5), which defines disorderly conduct to include making 'unreasonable noise' in a public place or in or near a private residence the actor has no right to occupy. Under §42.01(c), a noise from an amplifier or loudspeaker is presumed unreasonable if it exceeds 85 decibels measured at the nearest residence's property line. Section 42.01(d) requires the peace officer or magistrate to first warn the actor and give a reasonable opportunity to comply before issuing a citation. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with a maximum fine of $500 under Penal Code §12.23. Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 343 (county nuisance abatement) authorizes counties to abate certain public nuisances but does not create general noise authority. Inside the City of College Station, Code of Ordinances Chapter 22 sets quiet-hour limits (typically 10 PM to 7 AM weeknights) and student-area enforcement near Texas A&M; the City of Bryan Code of Ordinances Chapter 50 sets similar nighttime limits. Texas Transportation Code §547.605 prohibits muffler modifications that amplify motor-vehicle noise above manufacturer specs and applies countywide. Loud parties in unincorporated subdivisions are typically handled by the Brazos County Sheriff's Office under §42.01 after a warning.