Loud Music Laws in Tennessee (2026): Your Rights and the Rules

Most people think playing loud music is no big deal. Seriously. But in Tennessee, the rules can catch you off guard fast. Whether you’re blasting tunes in your car, hosting a backyard party, or running a bar on Broadway, this article breaks down exactly what you need to know.

What Are Loud Music Laws?

Loud music laws are rules that say when, where, and how loudly you can play music or make noise. They exist to protect your neighbors, your community, and public safety. Break them and you could face a fine or even a criminal charge.

Tennessee handles noise differently than most states. There is no single statewide noise law that covers everything. Instead, the state gives cities and counties the power to set their own rules. That means the rules in Nashville might be totally different from the rules in a small rural town.

Tennessee’s State-Level Noise Law

Okay, this part is important. Tennessee does have one main state law that applies everywhere. It’s called Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) 39-17-305. This is the disorderly conduct law.

Under this law, making “unreasonable noise” that prevents others from enjoying their surroundings is against the rules. That includes blasting music late at night, using loud speakers in a disruptive way, or making any noise that disturbs your neighbors. It’s pretty broad on purpose.

Here’s the tricky part: the law does not define exactly how loud is “too loud.” Police officers use their own judgment based on the time of day, the location, and the impact on others around you. Playing loud music downtown at noon is probably fine. Playing the same volume in a quiet neighborhood at midnight is likely a violation.

The Car Music Law: TCA 55-8-193

You’re gonna love this one. Tennessee has a very specific law just for playing loud music in your car.

Under TCA 55-8-193, you cannot play music in your vehicle loud enough to be clearly heard from 50 feet away. Fifty feet is about the length of four or five parked cars. If someone standing that far away can hear your music clearly, you are breaking the law.

The law even covers bass. You don’t have to be able to make out the words. If the bass is thumping that far away, it still counts as a violation. This includes your radio, speakers, subwoofers, and any other sound device in your car.

Not sure what 50 feet looks like in real life? Think of it this way. If your neighbor on the next street over can feel your bass, you are definitely over the limit. Pretty straightforward.

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Penalties for Car Music Violations

So what happens if you get caught? A violation of TCA 55-8-193 is a Class C misdemeanor. But here’s the thing: it is punishable by a fine only. You can be fined up to $50.

Less severe than a felony? Absolutely. But a misdemeanor still goes on your criminal record unless it gets expunged. That can affect job applications, housing, and more. Don’t take it lightly just because the fine sounds small.

Penalties for Disorderly Conduct Noise Violations

Now, here’s where things get more serious. If police charge you under the general disorderly conduct law, TCA 39-17-305, the consequences are bigger.

Disorderly conduct is also a Class C misdemeanor. But this version can come with both a fine and jail time. A Class C misdemeanor in Tennessee can mean up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $50. Repeat offenses or more serious situations could bump the charges higher.

A conviction stays on your record. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards can see it. Expungement is possible in some cases under Tennessee law, but it is not automatic.

City-Specific Rules: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga

Here’s where it gets interesting. Each major Tennessee city has its own set of rules on top of state law.

Nashville uses Metro Code 11.12.070. It sets decibel limits based on the type of area. In commercial zones, daytime noise is capped at 70 decibels. At night, that drops to 65 decibels. Nashville also passed a new ordinance in 2023 specifically aimed at bars and venues on Lower Broadway. Those businesses now have to keep indoor speakers under 85 decibels during business hours. After hours, it drops to 70 decibels.

Memphis has a more detailed system. It sets different noise limits based on the time of day and what zone you’re in, whether that’s residential, commercial, or industrial. That’s covered under City Code 9-64-3.

Knoxville takes a different approach. Their ordinance (City Code 18-2) bans “unreasonably loud” noise but does not give a specific decibel number. That leaves it up to the officer’s judgment, similar to the state law.

Chattanooga uses a “plainly audible” standard for vehicle noise. If your car music can be heard 50 feet away, it’s a violation. They also have a Downtown Amplified Music District with its own separate rules for businesses.

Wondering if your city has its own rules? It almost certainly does. Check your city or county website, or search your city name plus “noise ordinance.”

Quiet Hours: When Rules Get Stricter

Most Tennessee cities use quiet hours to decide when noise rules are tighter. During nighttime hours, usually between 10 or 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., the rules get stricter. Noise that might be fine during the day can become a violation after dark.

Honestly, this is the part most people miss. They assume nighttime noise rules only apply to major events or businesses. Nope. They apply to your house too. Your backyard speakers, your car stereo, your outdoor party all fall under these rules.

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The Nashville Broadway Exception

Many people assume this is legal. They find out the hard way. Don’t be one of them.

Nashville’s famous Broadway strip is a unique case. Live music venues there operate under special rules. The 2023 ordinance addressed problems that had gotten pretty extreme. Police officers on duty could not even hear their own radio dispatches over the music.

The new rules require speakers near open doors or windows to point inward. This pushes the sound into the venue instead of onto the street. It’s a smart fix, honestly. The goal is to let the music play while keeping the street noise manageable.

Noise Complaints: What Happens When Someone Reports You

Hold on, this part is important. Understanding what happens after a complaint can save you a lot of trouble.

When someone calls police about loud music, officers typically give a verbal warning first. If you turn it down and the problem stops, that’s usually the end of it. If you refuse or the noise continues, you can get a citation. That’s a formal ticket with a fine and a court date.

If the situation keeps getting worse, or if there is a crowd involved, police can make an arrest. Most people never get to that stage. A simple warning is the most common outcome.

Businesses and Events: Stricter Standards Apply

If you run a bar, restaurant, or event space, the rules are different for you. You’re not playing music in a residential neighborhood. You’re running a business.

Most Tennessee cities require businesses that play amplified music to comply with local commercial zoning noise standards. Violating those standards can mean fines or even suspension of your business license. Event permits often come with their own noise conditions attached.

Planning an outdoor event? Check with your city or county before the event date. Getting a permit ahead of time protects you if a noise complaint comes in.

Special Circumstances

There are some situations where noise rules are relaxed or handled differently. Most cities allow extra noise during permitted public events, parades, or festivals. Construction noise has its own set of rules and exemptions. Emergency sirens and safety alarms are obviously exempt.

Personally, I think Tennessee’s approach makes sense. A one-size-fits-all rule would not work well across a state that has everything from downtown Nashville to tiny mountain towns. Local control lets communities set standards that fit their own needs.

How to Avoid a Noise Violation

You’re not alone if this confuses you. Most people never read their local noise ordinance until after they get a warning. Here’s how to stay out of trouble.

Keep your car music to a level that cannot be clearly heard from 50 feet away. That’s the state law, and it applies everywhere in Tennessee. After 10 or 11 p.m., turn things down even more. Quiet hours vary by city, so check your local rules.

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If you’re hosting a party or outdoor event, let your neighbors know in advance. A heads-up goes a long way. Set a volume limit and stick to it. If a neighbor knocks on your door to complain, take it seriously and turn it down right away. That alone will usually prevent a call to police.

How to File a Noise Complaint

If someone else is disturbing your peace, you have options. Start by talking to the person directly if it feels safe to do so. Many disputes end right there.

If the noise continues, call your local non-emergency police line. Save the number in your phone. Do not call 911 unless there is a genuine emergency. Give the dispatcher the address, a description of the noise, and how long it has been going on.

You can also file a formal complaint with your city’s code enforcement office. This is especially useful for businesses or repeat offenders. Keep notes, including dates and times, to support your complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get arrested for playing loud music in Tennessee? Yes. If the noise rises to the level of disorderly conduct under TCA 39-17-305, you can be cited or arrested, especially if you ignore a police warning.

What is the fine for loud car music in Tennessee? Under TCA 55-8-193, the maximum fine is $50. It’s a Class C misdemeanor, but it can still appear on your criminal record.

Does Tennessee have statewide quiet hours? No. Quiet hours are set by individual cities and counties. Most enforce quiet hours between 10 or 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., but you should check your local ordinance to be sure.

Can a business play loud music in Tennessee? Yes, but they must follow local commercial noise limits. Nashville, for example, caps business speaker volume at 85 decibels during business hours under its 2023 Broadway ordinance.

What should I do if I get a noise citation? Read the citation carefully and note your court date. You can pay the fine or contest it. If the charge is a misdemeanor, consider speaking with a lawyer before making any decisions.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the basics. Tennessee’s loud music laws are not as simple as one statewide rule. They layer state law on top of city ordinances, and the rules can change based on the time, location, and type of property you’re on.

The biggest takeaways: keep car music under the 50-foot audible limit, respect quiet hours in your city, and always take a noise warning seriously. When in doubt, look it up or talk to a local attorney. It’s way easier than dealing with a misdemeanor charge.

Stay informed, stay considerate, and enjoy the music the right way.