Is it Illegal to Drive with Your Music Blaring in Minnesota?
Got an annoying neighbor that drives through the neighborhood with his subs blasted so loud that all you can hear is bass and the sound of his trunk and license plate rattling? It might be annoying but is it illegal?
Sgt. Troy Christianson from the Minnesota State Patrol explains, "It is important for the driver to be alert and aware of everything that is going on around them. Listening to very loud music while driving may block out an emergency vehicle’s siren or another vehicle’s horn, possibly causing a crash or reducing the response time for an emergency vehicle. Minnesota does not have a state law prohibiting loud music inside a vehicle, but the volume could be a violation of a city or county ordinance."
According to the City of Rochester's website there is a law prohibiting loud car stereos within city limits.
(1) No person shall operate or cause to be operated any motor vehicle in such a manner that the sound level emitted there from exceeds 80 dB(A) either:
(a) At a distance of 25 feet or more from the path of the vehicle when operated on a public street or sidewalk or in a public park or other public place
(b) At or beyond the property line when operated on private property.