New Castle County, DE Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Stereo limit
- Audible 50+ feet violates the code
- Quiet hours
- 9 p.m.-8 a.m. repair/race ban
- First-offense fine
- $250-$1,000 misdemeanor
- Enforcement
- New Castle County Police Department
- Scope
- Applies in unincorporated County only
Summary
New Castle County bans car stereos audible 50 feet or more from the vehicle and bans revving, racing, or repairing motor vehicles in residential areas between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m., enforced as a misdemeanor by County Police in unincorporated territory.
It shall be unlawful for any person within any residential district to repair, rebuild, test, race or gun any motor vehicle between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. ... in such a manner that would create a noise disturbance. ... It shall be unlawful for any vehicle operator ... to permit the operation of any radio, tape player, ... loudspeaker, compact disc player or other similar device in or on a vehicle ... to be plainly audible on a public street ... at fifty (50) feet or more from the vehicle.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
New Castle County Code § 22.02.008(B)(2) targets two specific vehicle noises in unincorporated County territory: subsection (a) bars repairing, rebuilding, testing, racing, or 'gunning' a motor vehicle in a residential district between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in a manner that creates a 'noise disturbance,' and subsection (c) bars playing a car radio, tape player, speaker, or CD player loud enough to be 'plainly audible' 50 feet or more from the vehicle on a public street, right-of-way, or public space. The Police Department enforces both as misdemeanors under § 22.02.008(C). Wilmington and Newark run their own municipal codes and are not covered by this County provision.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor: $250-$1,000 fine for a first offense, $500-$2,500 for a second, $1,000-$5,000 for each subsequent offense; each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Enforced by the New Castle County Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play loud music in my car in New Castle County?
Can I rev or work on my car at night?
Does this cover Wilmington or Newark?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Castle County
Compare New Castle County to another location·View the Delaware noise ordinances overview
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