Boston noise ordinance: quiet hours and who to call

When are quiet hours in Boston?

Quiet hours: 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., when the limit for unreasonable noise drops from 70 to 50 dBA. Construction: weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. only, unless permitted.
Right now: Checking the clock for Boston.
Who to call: Boston Police Party Line: 617-343-5500. Boston 311: 311 or 617-635-4500. Emergencies: 911.
When you can call: Boston 311 takes calls at 311 or 617-635-4500 around the clock. The page does not state hours for the police Party Line.
The law: Boston Municipal Code § 16-26. Read the code

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We checked this against the city's code and website on October 17, 2026.

Boston's noise rules are in Section 16-26 of the Boston Municipal Code, "Unreasonable Noise." Section 16-26.1 says no person may make "any unreasonable or excessive noise in the city," and defines that two ways: by a decibel reading, or by how far away the noise can be heard.

What counts as unreasonable noise

Under § 16-26.1(B), "unreasonable or excessive noise" means either:

Noise measured above 50 dBA from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., or above 70 dBA at all other hours, or
Where no Air Pollution Control Commission standard applies: noise plainly audible 300 feet away. For a "loud amplification device or similar equipment" such as a stereo, TV or speaker, it is 100 feet.

Noise in residential areas

Section 16-26.6 makes it unlawful in a residential area to "disturb the peace" with unreasonable or excessive noise, including music, a band, amplified sound, "excessive outcries, exclamations, or loud singing" by a person or group. The same 50 dBA and 70 dBA limits apply here. They are measured no closer than the lot line of a home, or from the nearest home affected. People and events with a valid city license or permit are exempt.

Under § 16-26.6(B), anyone bothered by the noise may complain to the police, who must check it with a sound level meter. If it is over the limit, they may arrest or seek a criminal complaint for disturbing the peace under state law.

Separately, § 16-26.9 bans operating a loud amplification device "in a dwelling house or on the land or other premises of such dwelling house." The code defines that kind of device by whether it makes unreasonable or excessive noise. So the 16-26.1 limits are the test.

Construction hours

Section 16-26.4 limits building construction, demolition, alteration, repair and related digging to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Other hours need an Off Hours Permit from the Inspectional Services Department, unless the work is for public safety. Section 16-26.5 limits construction devices to 50 dBA at a residential lot line between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m.

How to complain

The Boston Police Department's Party Line, 617-343-5500, is a direct line for reporting loud parties. The BPD page says you can also report a disturbance to 911 or to your neighborhood district station. For other non-emergency issues, Boston 311 takes calls at 311 or 617-635-4500 around the clock, and requests through its app and website.

Penalties

Section 16-26.11 sets fines within any 12-month period:

Loud amplification devices at a home, in a car or in public (§§ 16-26.7 to 16-26.9): $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second, $200 for the third and each one after
All other violations of these sections: $100, $200, then $300
Giving false information, or refusing to give it, when cited: an extra $100

A landlord or building manager can also be fined for allowing repeat violations after notice. It is $150 at the third violation within 12 months and $300 for each one after. Showing documented good-faith efforts to stop the violations is a defense (§ 16-26.11(B)). The notice of violation goes to the violator, and, where it applies, a copy goes to their landlord and to their school, college or university (§ 16-26.11(D)). Construction outside the allowed hours carries a $300 fine per offense, and each day is a new offense (§ 16-26.4).

Massachusetts law

Massachusetts General Laws chapter 272, section 53(b), which § 16-26.6 points to, sets the penalty for "disturbers of the peace": a fine of up to $150 for a first offense. For a second or later offense, it is up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $200, or both.

Keeping a record

Boston's fines step up with each violation within 12 months. Keep the date of each one. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the date, time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report or complaint letter for a landlord. Phone readings are estimates. Under § 16-26.6, police verify the level with their own meter.

Boston noise FAQ

What are the quiet hours in Boston?

11 p.m. to 7 a.m., when the limit for unreasonable noise drops from 70 to 50 dBA. Construction: weekdays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. only, unless permitted.

Who do I call about a noisy neighbor in Boston?

Boston Police Party Line: 617-343-5500. Boston 311: 311 or 617-635-4500. Emergencies: 911.

Where are Boston's noise rules?

Boston Municipal Code § 16-26. There is a link to the official code at the top and bottom of this page.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Boston?

Loud speakers at a home or in a car: $50, then $100, then $200 within 12 months. Other noise violations: $100, then $200, then $300.

Sources

Last checked October 17, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.