Lafayette, LA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Section 86-31 targets 'broadcast vehicles', any vehicle with music amplification or reproduction equipment capable of emitting sound in violation of the section. The city-parish council's purpose findings say excessive broadcast-vehicle sound masks emergency sirens and train whistles and constitutes a public nuisance, and the ordinance establishes the regulations 'for the citizens of the city and the unincorporated areas', so the limit reaches beyond the Lafayette city limits into the rest of Lafayette Parish. A violation occurs if the sound is plainly audible at 50 feet, is 'unreasonably loud, raucous, jarring, disturbing,' or disturbs the peace of anyone in a residential dwelling, another vehicle, or a public place.

'Plainly audible' is defined broadly: detecting the rhythmic bass of music through unaided hearing is enough, an officer does not need to identify the song or artist. The section applies whether the vehicle is moving or stationary and whether it is occupied or unoccupied, so a parked car left blasting music still violates the code. Penalties climb with each conviction: $150 for a first offense (with a judge's option to substitute 40 hours of community service), $300 for a second conviction within 24 months, and $500 plus up to 30 days in jail for a third or later conviction within the same 24-month window, with the judge authorized to order seizure of the offending equipment.