Manchester, NH Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Manchester, NH, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Nighttime dB limit (residential)
- 50 dBA, 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
- First offense fine
- $100 citation
- Fourth+ offense fine
- $1,000 citation
- Governing chapter
- Code of Ordinances Ch. 94
Summary
Manchester's noise ordinance sets stricter nighttime sound limits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. citywide, and separately bars audible commercial sound equipment and street shouting between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. under the city's noise chapter.
The operation of any such set, instrument, phonograph, machine or device by a commercial establishment between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the lot line, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
(3) Use, operate, or permit to be played, used, or operated, any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound which is cast upon the public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising or attracting the attention of the public to any building or structure in such a manner that the occupants of a neighboring premises disturbed or annoyed.
(4) Yell, shout, hoot, whistle, or sing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. or any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of persons in neighboring premises.
(5) Keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in a neighboring premises.
(6) Use any automobile, motorcycle, or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.
(7) Transport rails, pillars, or columns of iron, steel or other
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Manchester's noise code drops maximum allowable sound levels at night: residential receiving premises are capped at 50 dBA between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., versus 55 dBA by day (Ch. 94, Table A). Layered on top, § 94.42(K) bans specific nighttime conduct outright: radios, phonographs, and sound equipment run by a commercial establishment that are plainly audible 50 feet from the lot line between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. are prima facie violations, and yelling, shouting, or singing on public streets during those same hours to disturb neighbors is separately prohibited. Enforcement runs through the city's Code Enforcement office.
Violations & Fines
First offense $100; second $250; third $500; fourth and subsequent offenses $1,000: each day of violation counts as a separate offense under § 94.43.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
How Manchester compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle quiet hours.