Taunton, MA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Taunton, MA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Code
- Chapter 315 (adopted 11-2-2021)
- Animal Noise
- Prohibited if audible 50 ft from lot line
- Fine (1st)
- Up to $100
- Fine (3rd+)
- $300 + no auto license renewal
Summary
Taunton adopted a comprehensive noise ordinance (Chapter 315) on November 2, 2021, prohibiting preventable and unnecessary noise. Noise that annoys or disturbs the quiet, comfort, or repose of normal persons is prohibited at any time or place. Animals or birds plainly audible at 50 feet from the lot line are also prohibited.
Section 21. 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.
(1) For directing and managing their prudential affairs, preserving peace and good order, and maintaining their internal police.
(22) For controlling and abating noise from whatever source, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to restrict or limit the use of automobile horns and the operation of motor vehicles in such a manner as to cause excessive noise.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 315 of the Taunton Revised Ordinances is intended to prohibit preventable and unnecessary noise and not to regulate usual and customary noise incidental to urban life. Vehicles so out of repair or loaded as to create loud grating, grinding, or rattling noise are prohibited. Exemptions include lawful school/park/playground activities, special events with a Mayor's permit, emergency activities, and noise from licensed business activities. The Board of Health also investigates noise nuisances under its Air Pollution Control Regulation.
Violations & Fines
First offense: up to $100. Second offense: $200. Each subsequent offense: $300. After the third offense, no automatic renewal of municipal license. Each occurrence is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
- [1]Source
Other rules in Taunton
How Taunton compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·Compare Taunton to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle quiet hours.