Pottstown, PA Noise Ordinances: Vehicle Noise (2026)

Chapter 6, Part 3, § 303, added in 1994 and amended in 1995, targets loud vehicle audio separately from the Part's general disorderly-conduct standard. Council found that loud sound amplification systems in vehicles are 'a safety hazard because operators of motor vehicles may be distracted thereby or may not hear emergency vehicles or warning signals or other traffic sounds,' and also a nuisance to nearby residents. The operative rule bars anyone operating, occupying or controlling a vehicle on a street, highway, alley, parking lot or driveway from running a sound amplification system so that it is audible 25 feet or more from the vehicle.

Section 303(A) defines 'sound amplification system' broadly to include any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker or other electronic device used to amplify sound, and defines 'audible' to include bass reverberations whether or not words are discernible, closing off the argument that a bass-only system without recognizable lyrics is not covered. Section 303(B) exempts six categories: systems used to summon medical or vehicular help or warn of a hazardous road condition; emergency or public-safety vehicles; Borough, gas, electric, communications or refuse-company vehicles on official business; systems giving instructions or lectures under other Borough ordinances; systems used at Borough-approved public events like parades or fireworks; and vehicle theft alarms.