Fall River, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 70-9
- Applies to
- Parked or traveling vehicles
- Standard
- Volume disturbing neighborhood residents
- Max fine
- $300 per offense (§ 1-15)
Summary
Fall River bans playing a car or motorcycle sound system loud enough to disturb neighbors while the vehicle is parked or driving on any city street.
No person shall park or operate a vehicle or motorcycle upon any street while having a sound or music device playing at such a volume so as to disturb persons living in the neighborhood where such motor vehicle or motorcycle is parked or traveling.
B. No person shall park an automobile and/or motorcycle on any way or place where the public has the right of access as invitees or licensees so as to intimidate the public and deprive them of their lawful use, either by noise created by mechanical or electrical means or by a trespass.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 70-9, no one may park or operate a vehicle or motorcycle on a Fall River street with a sound or music device playing loud enough to disturb people living in the neighborhood, whether the vehicle is parked or traveling. A related clause bars parking a car or motorcycle on any public way so as to intimidate the public or block lawful access through mechanical or electrical noise. Massachusetts does not preempt this local traffic-noise rule.
Violations & Fines
General penalty under City Code § 1-15: up to $300 per offense; each day a violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a specific decibel level set?
Does this cover engine noise too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
Compare Fall River to another location·View the Massachusetts noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vehicle Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bristol County handle vehicle noise.