Noise Violation Ticket Cost

Last Updated on November 9, 2021
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The laws on noise pollution are very strict and violation fines can be handed out to those who break them. For instance, if you’re too loud for the peace and tranquility of your surroundings like at a party or during car modifications then it’s possible that you get a noise violation ticket.

How Much Does a Noise Violation Ticket Cost?

Expect to pay $60 to $260 for a noise violation ticket, depending on the geographical location and the number of offenses. If it’s the first complaint, in general, the police officer will work with the offender. Though, if there are multiple visits needed to calm down the situation, then a ticket will be issued.

If you are living in Greely City, Colorado, be prepared to pay up to $1,100 for a noise violation ticket, according to GreelyGove.com. Anyway, this amount can be lowered to almost $260 if the offender attends the Neighborhood Conduct class and works for 15 hours in community service. Regardless of the community service or the class, repeat offenders would have to pay a fine of $1,800.

Violators from the Village of Misenheimer, North Carolina would have to pay up to $550 for not respecting the noise ordinance, while the ones who don’t respect this law by parking or operating a vehicle would have to pay up to $60.

Noise violation fines in the City of East Lansing are anywhere between $220 and $520.

Factors that affect the price

The number of offenses

A first-time offender would receive a minimum fee in the majority of the cities, but the fine will increase if there will be more than two complaints. For instance, the cost of a second noise violation would be around $360, while for a third one you would pay around $530. There are cities where the maximum cost of the fines is $1,100.

Type of noise violation

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There are many different types of noise violations. The most common complaints include the noise coming from the musical instruments, radios, motor vehicles, construction, improper use of a car horn, an improper muffler, power tools, or street vending. For instance, in Minneapolis, the fine for the noise made by vehicles is up to $510 for first offenders, while a second offender would pay $710 and if you are at the third complaint you will pay the maximum amount. Residents living in a house at the Colorado State University would have to pay around $1,100 for not respecting the noise ordinance because of a loud party. However, the institution has its own laws regarding noise violation.

What are the extra costs?

You might be required by some states to pay for the neighborhood conduct classes, whose price can be up to $780.

Good to know

There are situations when the punishment for noise violation might include imprisonment, depending on the place where the violation occurred. Though, these cases are isolated. In some cities, the punishment includes in addition to the fines an incarceration period of 90 days, but this happens in general to second offenders. Also, there are areas where violators have to stay in jail for up to six months and also to pay the fines.

In some cities, noise violators must work for the community service, besides paying the fines.

It would be better to be polite with the police officer if you receive a noise violation ticket for the first time because he may reduce the amount of money that you would have to pay for the fine. However, you better make sure you are not breaking the law again because the sum that has not been charged at the first offense will be charged for the second offense. For example, if at your first offense the fine was reduced from $1,100 to $400 and you are reported for the second time, then the police will give you a fine of $1,100 plus the $700 that was not charged for the first offense.

Each violator is treated subjectively as the police authorities don’t have a decibel limit or meter to evaluate the disturbing noise.

There is the possibility to plea for an arrangement in the court as you will be given a date and time to be present in there when you receive a noise violation ticket.

You can avoid a noise violation ticket by informing your neighbors beforehand about any event that might disturb them. Also, you can obtain a noise permit from the police station. Though it can be canceled if the neighbors are complaining about the noise and a ticket will be issued.

How can I save money?

It is recommended by the majority of the lawyers to just pay the ticket instead of fighting it, as the value of the fine is a small one in most cases, compared to the lawyer that would help you fight the case.