Louisiana Noise Laws: Quiet Hours, Car Stereos and Fines (2026)

Louisiana's state noise rules are narrow, and none of the statutes covered here sets quiet hours or a decibel limit for homes. The state's disturbing-the-peace law, La. R.S. 14:103, reaches noise only when it is aimed at a person in a street or public place or when it disrupts a worship service. The clearest statewide noise standard is R.S. 14:103.1, which bans a vehicle sound system on a public street, highway or public park that is unreasonably loud and audible at more than 25 feet and over 85 decibels, with a $200 fine for a first offense. State parks set overnight quiet hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Quiet hours and noise limits for neighborhoods come from parish and municipal ordinances. To compare other states, see our guide to noise ordinance laws by state.

Information last verified on 2026-10-10. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Louisiana state law on noise: disturbing the peace (La. R.S. 14:103); vehicle sound amplification (R.S. 14:103.1); horns, mufflers and exhaust and their general penalty (R.S. 32:351, 32:352, 32:353, 32:57, 32:399); motorboat mufflers and local watercraft regulation (R.S. 34:851.16, 34:851.27, 34:851.31, 56:31); home digital asset mining (R.S. 49:1505); the environmental noise policy and Department of Environmental Quality mandate (R.S. 30:2052, 30:2053, 30:2054); sport shooting range protection (R.S. 30:2055.1); the right-to-farm statute (R.S. 3:3603); municipal and parish ordinance powers (R.S. 33:361, 33:1236); the neighbor provisions of the Civil Code (arts. 667, 668, 669); and Office of State Parks rules and fines (LAC Title 25, Part IX). Statute text is the version the Louisiana Legislature publishes on its official site. It does not cover the text of any parish or city noise ordinance (including New Orleans or Baton Rouge), aircraft, workplace noise, or the law of other states.

Louisiana noise laws at a glance

Is loud noise disturbing the peace in Louisiana?

Only in specific situations. R.S. 14:103 defines disturbing the peace as a closed list of acts done "in such manner as would foreseeably disturb or alarm the public." It has no general clause for loud music or a loud party. Noise appears in two places.

The first is subsection (A)(2), which covers a person who makes noise aimed at someone in a public place:

"(2) Addressing any offensive, derisive, or annoying words to any other person who is lawfully in any street, or other public place; or call him by any offensive or derisive name, or make any noise or exclamation in his presence and hearing with the intent to deride, offend, or annoy him, or to prevent him from pursuing his lawful business, occupation, or duty"

That clause needs intent. Noise that simply carries into a neighbor's yard, without the intent the statute names, does not fit it.

The second is subsection (A)(9), on interrupting a worship service or religious ceremony at a church or other place of worship by "(b) Unreasonably loud or abusive language or noise such that the service is materially disrupted." This clause was added by Acts 2026, No. 115, effective August 1, 2026.

Penalties for disturbing the peace

The general penalty is in subsection (B)(1): "Whoever commits the crime of disturbing the peace shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both."

Higher caps apply to some clauses. The funeral-related clauses, (A)(7) and (A)(8), carry up to $500, up to six months, or both. Disrupting a worship service under (A)(9) carries up to $500, up to six months, or both, with 30 days served without probation, and the cap rises to two years when the offense involves simple battery or criminal damage, and to five years when the offender is armed.

How loud can car music be in Louisiana?

R.S. 14:103.1 is Louisiana's main statewide noise standard, and it applies only to sound systems in or on motor vehicles. All of its conditions must be met:

"A. No person shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system which emanates unreasonably loud or excessive sound or noise which is likely to cause inconvenience or annoyance to persons of ordinary sensibilities, when both the following exist: (1) The sound amplification system is located in or on any motor vehicle on a public street, highway, or public park. (2) The sound or noise emanating from the sound amplification system is audible at a distance of greater than twenty-five feet which exceeds eighty-five decibels."

So the sound must be unreasonably loud or excessive, the vehicle must be on a public street, highway or public park, and the sound must be audible at more than 25 feet and exceed 85 decibels. A car stereo in a private driveway is outside the statute's location test.

The fines are fixed in subsection (C): "two hundred dollars for a first offense, and not less than three hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for second and subsequent offenses." The court may also order the driver to surrender his or her driver's license for up to 30 days for a first offense, or 30 to 90 days for a repeat offense. The section does not apply to a horn, alarm or other warning device used to signal unsafe or dangerous situations or to summon law enforcement, or used in conjunction with a permitted event. Parishes and municipalities may adopt their own ordinance on vehicle sound systems if it is consistent with the statute and its penalty is no higher.

Loud mufflers, exhaust and horns

R.S. 32:352 requires a working muffler on every motor vehicle:

"A. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise. B. No person shall use a muffler cut-out, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway of this state."

R.S. 32:353 adds a rule against louder aftermarket exhausts: "No person shall modify the exhaust system of a motor vehicle in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the motor of such vehicle, above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle."

No horn or other warning device may "emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle," and a driver may not use the horn on a highway except "when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation," with a limited exception for drivers with mobility impairments (R.S. 32:351(A)).

None of these sections sets its own fine. They are part of Chapter I of Title 32, the Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act (R.S. 32:399), whose general penalty, R.S. 32:57(A)(1), provides that a first violation "shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred seventy-five dollars or by imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both, unless otherwise specifically provided. A subsequent violation shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than ninety days, or both." The legislature's page for that section carries this note: "This provision of law was included in the Unconstitutional Statutes Biennial Report to the Legislature, dated March 14, 2016."

Quiet hours in Louisiana state parks

The Office of State Parks rules in LAC Title 25, Part IX are the one place where Louisiana sets clock hours for quiet. Section 331(A)(7) provides: "Overnight users must observe quiet hours between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Playing music or other loud activities that adversely affect the use and enjoyment of the site by other site users is a violation of quiet hours."

Section 315 adds that no person may play amplified musical instruments "except when approved by the assistant secretary or his designee," and that radios, televisions and non-amplified instruments may not be played "in a manner that disturbs other visitors." The same Part prohibits disorderly or boisterous conduct, caps off-highway vehicle muffler noise at 90 decibels, and caps watercraft idle volume at Poverty Point Reservoir at 85 decibels. These rules apply on state park property only. Under section 321, violators are subject to administrative fines "for each violation of not less than $15 nor more than $250 (R.S. 56:1689), eviction from the site, and/or restitution to the state for damages incurred."

Boat mufflers in Louisiana

"It shall be unlawful to use a motorboat unless the same is provided with an efficient muffler, underwater exhaust, or other modern device capable of adequately muffling the sound of the exhaust of the engine" (R.S. 34:851.16). A violation is a class one violation (R.S. 34:851.31): a fine of $50 for a first offense, including court costs, $75 to $250 for a second, and $200 to $550 for a third or later offense (R.S. 56:31).

The state reserves boat equipment and operation rules to itself. Under R.S. 34:851.27(A), political subdivisions "are expressly prohibited from regulating watercraft in any respect, including but not limited to their operation, minimum equipment requirements, registration (with or without a fee), or inspection," subject to the exceptions the statute lists, such as posted speed limits and no-wake zones.

Does Louisiana have a state noise-control program?

On paper, yes. In R.S. 30:2052 the legislature declared a policy to "promote an environment free from noise that endangers the health or welfare of its people." R.S. 30:2053 defines noise as "the intensity, duration, and the character of sounds from all sources." And R.S. 30:2054(B)(7) directs the Department of Environmental Quality:

"(7) To adopt and promulgate rules and regulations establishing and implementing a comprehensive program for the control and abatement of environmental noise pollution. The regulations shall be consistent with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations and, at a minimum, shall provide for the following: (a) Criteria and standards for noise control and abatement. (b) Levels of noise appropriate to defined areas under various conditions."

The department's regulations are in LAC Title 33. Parts I and III of that title, in the official compilations, contain no noise provision. A neighbor complaint therefore goes to the local government, not to the department.

Who sets quiet hours: parishes and cities

Louisiana leaves neighborhood noise to local government. One state statute points to those ordinances directly: home digital asset mining is legal "as long as the person engaging in home digital asset mining complies with all local noise ordinances" (R.S. 49:1505). For municipalities, R.S. 33:361 provides that "A municipality is further authorized to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite, or proper for the management of its affairs not denied by law." That broad grant is what city and town noise ordinances rest on.

Parish police juries work from a list of enumerated powers in R.S. 33:1236. Item (24) allows ordinances for curb-service stands and similar places, "including ordinances either regulating or prohibiting the operation of loud speakers," and item (25) allows penalties for violating ordinances on the listed subjects, "not to be inconsistent with penalties authorized by existing laws." The enumerated list contains no general noise-ordinance power.

To find the rule where you live, look up your city's or parish's code of ordinances, which is usually linked from the local government's website, and search it for noise, sound or nuisance. The ordinance will state the hours, any decibel limits, and the fine. For a noise problem happening now, contact the local police or sheriff's non-emergency line; for a recurring issue, contact the city or parish office that enforces the ordinance.

If you rent, your lease and the state's landlord-tenant rules shape what your landlord can do; see our overview of Louisiana landlord-tenant laws. Fireworks noise has its own rules, covered in Louisiana fireworks laws.

Can you sue a neighbor over noise in Louisiana?

The Civil Code's neighbor articles are the basis for a private claim, though none of them names noise. Article 667 bars a proprietor from making "any work on it, which may deprive his neighbor of the liberty of enjoying his own, or which may be the cause of any damage to him." Liability is limited:

"However, if the work he makes on his estate deprives his neighbor of enjoyment or causes damage to him, he is answerable for damages only upon a showing that he knew or, in the exercise of reasonable care, should have known that his works would cause damage, that the damage could have been prevented by the exercise of reasonable care, and that he failed to exercise such reasonable care."

Pile driving and blasting with explosives are treated as ultrahazardous, and liability for them does not depend on that showing.

Article 668 sets the other side of the balance: "every one has the liberty of doing on his own ground whatsoever he pleases, although it should occasion some inconvenience to his neighbor." Mere inconvenience is not enough for a claim.

Article 669 deals with inconvenience from a "manufactory or other operation" that diffuses "smoke or nauseous smell." Absent a servitude, how much must be tolerated is "determined by the rules of the police, or the customs of the place." The article names smoke and smell, not noise, but it ties the tolerable level of a nuisance to local rules.

Shooting ranges and farms

Two state laws limit local noise rules for specific uses. R.S. 30:2055.1 protects sport shooting ranges: a range that existed before the applicable noise laws, or that complied with the noise laws in force when it was established, is immune from civil liability and criminal prosecution for noise, and local decibel rules do not apply to it. Subsection (A)(3) adds: "A municipal noise control ordinance may not require or be applied so as to require a sport shooting range to limit or eliminate shooting activities that have occurred on a regular basis at the range prior to the enactment date of the ordinance." Local governments may still regulate a range's location and construction, and noise from a substantial change in its use.

Neighbors' lawsuits are also limited. A person may not bring a noise nuisance suit against a range that was established, constructed or operated as of the date the person acquired the property, unless the suit is brought within three years after a substantial change in the range's use. If the range was established after the person acquired the property, the suit must be brought within five years after the range was established or three years after a substantial change in use. A range with no shooting for two years that resumes shooting counts as a new range (R.S. 30:2055.1(B)).

Louisiana's right-to-farm statute, R.S. 3:3603(B), provides that an agricultural operation is not a nuisance "in any action brought under the provisions of Civil Code Article 669, R.S. 33:361, R.S. 40:14, or any other grant of authority authorizing the suppression or regulation of public or private nuisances if the agricultural operation is conducted in accordance with generally accepted agricultural practices or traditional farm practices," and one of the statute's conditions applies, such as the operation predating the complainant's interest. The statute does not use the word noise.

Related pages

• Noise ordinance laws by state
• Louisiana landlord-tenant laws
• Louisiana fireworks laws
• Arkansas noise ordinance laws
• Mississippi noise ordinance laws

This article provides general legal information about Louisiana law, not legal advice. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Louisiana or your parish or city government.

Last updated: 2026-10-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the noise laws in Louisiana?

State law covers noise in a few narrow places: disturbing the peace (La. R.S. 14:103), vehicle sound systems on public streets, highways and parks (14:103.1), mufflers and exhaust (32:352, 32:353) and state park quiet hours (LAC 25:IX.331). Quiet hours and decibel limits for homes come from your parish or city ordinance.

What are the quiet hours in Louisiana?

None of the state statutes on this page sets quiet hours for homes, so check your parish or municipal code. Overnight users of Louisiana state parks must observe quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (LAC 25:IX.331(A)(7)).

Is a loud neighbor disturbing the peace in Louisiana?

Not under the state statute's noise clauses alone. R.S. 14:103 covers noise made in a person's presence in a street or public place with intent to deride, offend or annoy him, and noise that materially disrupts a worship service. A loud party at home is usually a matter for the parish or city noise ordinance.

How loud can car music be in Louisiana?

A sound system in a vehicle on a public street, highway or public park may not emit unreasonably loud or excessive sound that is audible at more than 25 feet and exceeds 85 decibels (R.S. 14:103.1). The fine is $200 for a first offense and $300 to $500 for a second or later offense.

Is a loud exhaust illegal in Louisiana?

Every motor vehicle must have a muffler in good working order to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no one may use a cut-out or bypass on a highway (R.S. 32:352). Modifying the exhaust so the engine is louder than with the original muffler is also prohibited (R.S. 32:353). Neither section sets its own fine; the general penalty in R.S. 32:57 is up to $175, up to 30 days in jail, or both for a first violation, and up to $500, up to 90 days, or both for a later one.

Can I sue my neighbor for noise in Louisiana?

Civil Code art. 667 makes a proprietor answerable for damages when work on his property deprives a neighbor of enjoyment or causes damage, but only if he knew or should have known it would cause damage, the damage could have been prevented with reasonable care, and he failed to use that care. Article 668 allows some inconvenience to a neighbor.