Albany, NY Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 255-29(A)
- Permit issuer
- Albany Chief of Police
- Covers
- Amplified sound on any vehicle
- First-offense fine
- Up to $250
- Repeat maximum
- $1,000 or 15 days jail
Summary
Albany bars running an amplified radio, phonograph, or other sound-reproducing device on any vehicle on a public street without a permit from the Chief of Police, who can refuse it. A first conviction costs up to $250, and repeat offenders face up to $1,000 or jail.
No person shall use or operate or cause to be used or operated, in front of or outside any building, place or premises, or in or through any window, doorway or opening of such building, place or premises, or upon any public street or place or on any vehicle thereon, any device or apparatus for the amplification of sounds from any radio, phonograph or other sound-making or sound-reproducing device without a permit from the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police, in exercising his discretion, may withhold a permit if he has reasonable cause to believe that the permit will foster a violation of this article.
B. No such permit shall be issued for operation of the above-mentioned sound devices within 250 feet of a school, hospital or similar institution, court or place of worship during the times specified for these institutions in § 255-26 if the production of such sound will disrupt or tend to disturb the peace or good order of the activities within.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873446; v61 updated 2026-03-18; through 03-18-2026).
Full Breakdown
Code of the City of Albany § 255-29(A) makes it unlawful to operate any device amplifying sound from a radio, phonograph, or other sound-making or sound-reproducing device upon any public street or on any vehicle thereon without a permit from the Chief of Police, who may withhold one if he has reasonable cause to believe it will foster a noise violation. No such permit is issued within 250 feet of a school, hospital, court, or place of worship. A police officer first warns the operator to cease; a second violation by the same person within 30 days, or a refusal to comply, draws a notice of violation under § 255-34.
Violations & Fines
Police first issue a warning to stop. Refusing, or a second violation within 30 days, is a violation under § 255-35: up to $250 for a first conviction, $500 for a second, $1,000 for a third or later, or up to 15 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a loud amplified stereo from my car in Albany?
What does a noise violation cost in Albany?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
New York rules heatmap·Compare Albany to another location·View the New York noise ordinances overview
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Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Albany County handle vehicle noise.