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Noise violations are a tricky business. Everyone wants to be able to have a party, but there is always that annoying neighbor who has two kids and work the next day. Here is what you need to know about your rights to a party.
- You get a verbal first warning before you can get fined
- Maximum fine is $50 (There is the possibility of a maximum 30 day jail time, but this is usually reserved for those who detonate air horns and purposely create noise vandalism)
What this means is that an officer must verbally warn you before he can fine you for a noise violation. This gives you a chance to shut down the party and call it a night without risk of punishment. If you fail to do so, then you can receive a ticket. If the officer fails to warn you, you may have just gotten out of that ticket. The most a noise fine can cost is $50. However, court costs are usually around $100, so it bumps it up a lot.
Also, only have one person talk to the officer. The others are simply not home. This way, only one fine, and you can split it. No need to rack up 3 of the same thing.
According to Elon Police Chief LaVell Lovette,
“The officer cannot initiate the loud noise complaint himself, it has to be called in by a citizen. Officers are considered to be “non-entities” in this case and the ordinance requires the noise to disturb the peace of the community.”
Tip: Give your neighbors a heads up and your phone number. It helps. We have even offered to put neighbors up in hotel rooms for the night. It only costs $50, and we can crank it up louder than usual.
Town of Elon Noise Ordinance (PDF Format) - Read section §96.99
