Dover Police Warn Residents of Loud Music Laws

As warmer temperatures have arrived, the City of Dover Police Department has seen an increase in the number of calls for excessively loud music/noise coming from vehicles and loud parties.  The department is reminding the public that audible music and bass outside of 50 feet is illegal and can result in fines ranging from $50-$107.  If a person is renting a residence and receives 2 or more noise violations within a 12 month period, they are subject to mandatory eviction as well.  Members of the Community Policing/Quality of Life Unit will proactively enforce these violations, especially in the downtown college, residential, and shopping districts in an effort to educate the public and improve the quality of life for the citizens in those areas.  We ask that while you enjoy the season, be mindful of others on the road and the neighbors surrounding you.

Delaware State Law:

• Title 21, Section 4306 (c) No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any street, highway, alley, or parking lot shall operate or permit the operation of any music amplification system, including, but not limited to, any radio, tape player, compact disc player, or any other electrical device used for the amplification of music in or on the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 50 or more feet from the vehicle. For the purpose of this subsection, “plainly audible” means any sound which clearly can be heard by unaided hearing faculties, however, words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberation alone shall be sufficient to so constitute.