Bristol County, MA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Bristol County, MA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- State Standard
- 10 dBA above ambient (310 CMR 7.10)
- Authority
- Town Boards of Health (MGL Ch. 111 §31C)
- County Role
- No county-level noise ordinance
- Enforcement
- Local police and Board of Health
Summary
Bristol County unincorporated areas follow Massachusetts state noise regulations under 310 CMR 7.10, which prohibits sound exceeding ambient levels by more than 10 dBA at the property line. Individual towns within the county may adopt their own noise ordinances. The Board of Health in each town has authority under MGL Ch. 111 §31C to regulate noise.
Towns may, for the purposes hereinafter named, make such ordinances and by-laws, not repugnant to law, as they may judge most conducive to their welfare, which shall be binding upon all inhabitants thereof and all persons within their limits. They may, except as herein provided, affix penalties for breaches thereof not exceeding three hundred dollars for each offense, which shall enure to the town or to such uses as it may direct. Notwithstanding the provisions of any special law to the contrary, fines shall be recovered by indictment or on complaint before a district court, or by noncriminal disposition in accordance with section twenty-one D.
Full Breakdown
Bristol County local bylaw or ordinance establishes quiet hours and noise limits for residential areas. Massachusetts General Laws c.272 §53 provides baseline enforcement statewide for disturbing the peace. MassDEP Noise Policy (310 CMR 7.10) provides guidance but no numeric residential standards. Municipalities set their own limits, typically 55 to 65 dBA. MA typically has later quiet hours (11 PM) compared to other states. Local police handle residential noise complaints.
Violations & Fines
First offense warning or citation. Municipal fines $50 to $300. MGL c.272 §53: fine up to $200 or imprisonment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Bristol County?
What happens if I violate the noise ordinance in Bristol County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol County
How Bristol County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Bristol County to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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