Bernalillo County, NM Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Bernalillo County, NM, 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
- 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county only
- Prima facie test
- 5 dB over ambient at property line
- Max penalty
- $300 fine, 90 days jail
- Governing law
- Bernalillo County Code § 30-117
Summary
Bernalillo County bans running radios, TVs, stereos or similar sound equipment loudly enough to disturb neighbors between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. in unincorporated areas; Albuquerque and the villages enforce their own separate noise curfews.
It shall be unlawful for any person within any zone of the county to use or operate any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, television set, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing or amplifying of sound between the hours of 10:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents in the area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).
Full Breakdown
The county code makes it unlawful to operate any radio, musical instrument, phonograph, TV or similar sound-producing device between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring residents. Noise exceeding the ambient level at a property line by more than 5 decibels during that window is treated as prima facie evidence of a violation. This curfew binds only unincorporated Bernalillo County; Albuquerque, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque and Tijeras each apply their own separate noise codes within their limits.
Violations & Fines
Running amplified sound between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that disturbs neighbors violates Sec. 30-117; punishable under the Code's general penalty as a fine up to $300, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this curfew apply inside Albuquerque?
What counts as a violation?
What is the penalty?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bernalillo County
How Bernalillo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Bernalillo County to another location·View the New Mexico noise ordinances overview
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