Lawrence, MA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

040(B)(5) of the Lawrence Code of Ordinances, it is unlawful to operate or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, or similar device in a manner that creates an objectionable noise disturbance across a real property boundary at any time of day or night, or, under clause (b), that creates a continuing noise disturbance greater than 70 decibels measured at 25 feet from the device when it is operated in or on a motor vehicle, whether on a public right-of-way or on any public or private space.

That 70-decibel-at-25-feet threshold is the only numeric decibel figure written into Lawrence's general noise chapter, and it applies specifically to devices playing in or from a vehicle, such as a car stereo, rather than to fixed household equipment. 140 of the code, giving police the option to remove the vehicle in addition to citing the driver. 040(A), and a car stereo audible across a property line at any hour can also be reached under clause (a) of the same subsection even below 70 decibels.