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Reading, PA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

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

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

Key Facts

Curfew window
10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Enforced by
Reading Police Department
Fine range
$100 to $1,000 plus costs
Max jail
30 days for unpaid fine

Summary

Reading bars loud yelling, shouting and similar disturbing sounds on public streets between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., part of a citywide noise curfew enforced by police under Chapter 387.

Engaging in loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing: (1) On the public streets between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (2) At any time or place in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-8: Current through August 10, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Reading's noise ordinance, Chapter 387, sets 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. as the recurring curfew window across its list of specified prohibited acts. Loud or raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets is barred during those hours outright, and barred at any time if it creates a noise disturbance across a property line. The same 10 p.m.-7 a.m. window governs amplified sound, construction equipment, domestic power tools, loading/unloading and powered model vehicles elsewhere in § 387-104. The Reading Police Department enforces the chapter and may seize a noise-source device pending payment of any fine.

Violations & Fines

A violation brings a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs; unpaid fines carry up to 30 days in jail, and each day of violation is a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are quiet hours in Reading, Pennsylvania?
Reading's noise ordinance runs a curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., during which loud yelling, shouting and similar noise on public streets is a Code violation, alongside amplified sound and other noise sources covered elsewhere in § 387-104.
What happens if I'm cited for violating the curfew?
A first violation carries a fine of $100 to $1,000 plus costs; nonpayment can mean up to 30 days in jail, and each day of continued violation counts as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reading

Construction HoursSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsAircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Native PlantsFew Restrictions

All Reading rules

How Reading compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Reading to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview

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