Fall River, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 70-9 has two parts, and they reach different conduct.

Subsection A is the sound system rule. It applies to any person who parks or operates a vehicle or motorcycle on any street while a sound or music device is playing. The test is not a meter reading. The device is too loud when its volume disturbs persons living in the neighborhood where the vehicle or motorcycle is parked or traveling. Two points follow from that wording. First, a parked car is covered on the same terms as a moving one, so sitting at a Fall River curb with the stereo up is treated no differently from driving past. Second, the people protected are the residents of the neighborhood the vehicle is in at that moment, so the standard travels with the vehicle from block to block.

Subsection B addresses a different problem: using a parked automobile and/or motorcycle to push the public out of a space. It covers any way or place where the public has the right of access as invitees or licensees, which reaches beyond streets to places people are invited or permitted to enter. The parking is unlawful when it is done so as to intimidate the public and deprive them of their lawful use. The ordinance names two ways that can happen: by noise created by mechanical or electrical means, or by a trespass. Mechanical noise can therefore fall under subsection B even though subsection A is limited to sound or music devices.

Neither subsection sets a decibel figure or quiet hours. Both turn on effect: disturbance of neighborhood residents under A, and intimidation with loss of lawful use under B.