Penalties for Noise Violations in the United States

The noise ordinances of the 500 largest cities were analyzed to determine the penalties used in noise enforcement. The prevalence of civil and criminal penalties, as well as the associated fines and prison time were analyzed. Penalties were found to range from a warning to a fine of $53,000 and a year in jail for making noise. They also included community service, paying police and court costs, impoundment of noise making equipment, and having to listen to music you don't like. The popularity as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the various penalty types are discussed.