Quiet hours in Worcester, MA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Worcester enforces quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends under the city's Excessive and Unreasonable Noise ordinance. Violations are enforced by the Worcester Police Department.
Worcester's noise ordinance prohibits excessive and unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 11 PM to 7 AM on weekends, during which noise standards are stricter. The ordinance covers amplified music, loud parties, loudspeakers, and other sources of disturbance. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 272, Section 59 also covers disturbing the peace at the state level. The Worcester Police Department enforces the noise ordinance and responds to complaints via the non-emergency line at (508) 799-8606. Residential areas have stricter standards than commercial or mixed-use zones.
Fines starting at $100 for first offense, increasing for repeat violations. State disturbing the peace charge is a misdemeanor with up to $150 fine.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Worcester County.
See how other cities in Worcester County handle quiet hours.
See how Worcester's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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