Safe, peaceful neighborhoods goals of city's noise ordinance

West Chicago, Illinois: June 13, 2011 - Warmer weather means more cars driving with the windows open, more backyard parties, more construction projects; and all of this means more noise. The West Chicago Police Department would like to remind everyone of some state laws and local ordinances regarding excessive noise:

No person can cause or allow any kind of loud noise/music to exceed 60 dBA during daytime hours (7 a.m. until 10 p.m.) or to exceed 55 dBA during night time hours (10 p.m. until 7 a.m.).

No person can use an electronic sound system in a multi family building when that system creates loud noises/music that can be heard 50 feet away from that dwelling unit during night time hours (Sunday through Friday, 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. and Saturday through Sunday, midnight until 7 a.m.).

No person can work on a construction project that causes loud noises within 300 feet of a residence between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

No driver of a motor vehicle shall allow any loud music to be heard outside of the vehicle from 75 or more feet. Your vehicle may be towed.

Any violation of these ordinances can result in the issuance of a citation and possible minimum fines in excess of $200.

"These laws were created to keep our neighborhoods quiet, and to keep motorists safe from distractions while driving. If we all do our part, we can keep the City of West Chicago a safe and peaceful place to live and work," said Crime Prevention Officer Robyn Nielsen.

For further explanation of these, or any other, local ordinances visit the City of West Chicago's website, www.westchicago.org. To review any State of Illinois laws, visit www.ilga.gov.