Lakewood, NJ Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Lakewood, NJ, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- 60 decibels, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Nighttime limit
- 55 decibels, 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Overnight curfew
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Penalty
- $10 to $500 per offense
- Enforced by
- Police, Code Enforcement, Health Inspectors
Summary
Lakewood Township's Board of Health noise code sets a decibel ceiling that tightens overnight: 60 decibels from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., dropping to 55 decibels from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., measured from the point of annoyance under Code Section BH16-3. Radios and yelling that are plainly audible during those same overnight hours are separately banned under Sections BH16-5.2 and BH16-5.9.
In any zone of the Township, noise shall be measured from the point of annoyance to the source where a noise originates. The sound level radiated over a measurable period of time shall not exceed 60 decibels between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. or 55 decibels between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as measured on the "A" weighted scale by a sound level meter in decibels RE:0.0002 microbar.
Full Breakdown
Chapter BH16 of the Township Code governs noise township-wide in Ocean County. Section BH16-3 sets the baseline: the sound level radiated over a measurable period may not exceed 60 decibels between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., or 55 decibels between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., measured on the A-weighted scale from the point of annoyance on the complainant's property or building line. If that A-scale reading is exceeded, an enforcement officer may run an octave band analysis, and the code publishes a frequency-by-frequency decibel table with separate daytime and 11:00 p.m.-to-7:00 a.m. maximums across eight frequency bands.
Two companion sections put teeth into the overnight window specifically: Section BH16-5.2 makes any radio, television or musical device that is plainly audible at 50 feet between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. prima facie evidence of a violation, and Section BH16-5.9 separately bars yelling, shouting, hooting or singing during that same 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. block. Section BH16-4 lists factors an enforcing officer weighs, including proximity to residential sleeping facilities, the time of night, duration, and whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant.
The curfew is suspended between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. the following day for five holidays added by Ord. No. 2022-16: Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July, New Year's Eve, Purim and Lag B'Omer.
Violations & Fines
Violating the noise curfew is enforceable by State Police, Ocean County officers, and Township Police, Special Officers, Code Enforcement Officers and Health Inspectors under Section BH16-7. Under Section BH1-2.2, a conviction carries a penalty of not less than $10 nor more than $500 per offense in Municipal Court, and Section BH1-2.3 makes each day of a continuing violation a separate offense. Section BH16-8 also lets a court issue an injunction or restraining order against a device or activity that endangers residents' repose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lakewood Township's official quiet hours?
Is a loud radio at night automatically a violation in Lakewood?
Are holidays exempt from Lakewood's noise curfew?
What is the fine for a noise violation in Lakewood Township?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
How Lakewood compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Lakewood 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.