Surprise, AZ Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Surprise, AZ, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Applies
- All hours, not a fixed curfew window
- Covers
- Music, sound trucks, radios, stereos, TVs
- Standard
- Disturbs peace/slumber of neighborhood
- Penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor
- Last amended
- Ord. No. 2025-17, 11-4-2025
Summary
Surprise's general noise ordinance, Sec. 34-105(a)-(c), declares it a public nuisance to play music or operate a sound truck, loudspeaker, radio or similar device so loudly that it disturbs the slumber, peace and quiet of neighbors or a considerable number of persons, whether the source is a business, a vehicle or a portable device. Every violation is a class 1 misdemeanor.
(a)It is declared to be a public nuisance and it is unlawful for any person owning or operating or in control of any restaurant, hotel, dancehall, show, store or any place of public amusement, entertainment or accommodation, to play or permit to be played any music or musical instrument, whether played by individuals, orchestra, radio, phonograph, music box or other mechanical device or means, in such a loud or unusual manner as to be offensive to the senses, or so as to disturb the slumber, peace and quiet or otherwise interfere with or annoy the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of any considerable number of persons in the neighborhood...(c)It is unlawful within the city limits for any person to play, or to cause or permit another person to play, a radio, stereo, phonograph, tape player, CD player, television, or other similar sound-producing device at an unreasonably loud volume which disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family, or person. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the device is stationary or portable, or whether it is located within a building, within a vehicle, or at any other place.
Full Breakdown
Subsection (a) targets restaurants, hotels, dancehalls, shows, stores and other places of public amusement, entertainment or accommodation, making it unlawful to play or permit music or a musical instrument, whether live or through a radio, phonograph, music box or other mechanical device, in a loud or unusual manner offensive to the senses or that disturbs the slumber, peace and quiet, or otherwise interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property of a considerable number of persons in the neighborhood; the section notes the nuisance is no less real because the annoyance falls unequally on different neighbors.
Subsection (b) separately bars operating a sound truck, loudspeaker or sound amplifier attached to a vehicle so that it emits loud and raucous noise. Subsection (c) is the broadest catch-all: it is unlawful anywhere in the city to play a radio, stereo, phonograph, tape player, CD player, television or similar sound-producing device at an unreasonably loud volume that disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, whether the device is stationary or portable, indoors, in a vehicle, or anywhere else. Unlike the construction-hours provision in subsection (d), these general noise rules apply around the clock rather than during a fixed overnight window, protecting residents' quiet enjoyment, including their sleep, at any hour.
Subsection (e) makes every violation of Sec. 34-105 a class 1 misdemeanor, and the section was last amended by Ordinance No. 2025-17 on November 4, 2025.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 34-105(e) makes violating any part of the noise section, including the general disturbance rules in subsections (a) through (c), a class 1 misdemeanor. The city may cite the same conduct civilly under Chapter 2, Article VI instead of pursuing a criminal charge, giving enforcement officers discretion over which track to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Surprise have a general noise ordinance that applies at night?
Can I be cited for a loud car stereo in Surprise?
What about sound trucks or amplified speakers mounted on vehicles?
What is the penalty for a general noise violation in Surprise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Surprise
How Surprise compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Surprise to another location·View the Arizona noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle quiet hours.