A new Florida Statute requires drivers to keep their music volume down

Florida residents now have one more thing to worry about while driving — keep their music at a decent volume level. 

According to section 3046 of chapter 316 listed under Title XXIII of The 2021 Florida Statutes, “It is unlawful for any person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on a street or highway to operate or amplify the sound produced by a radio, tape player, or other mechanical  (sound-making) device or instrument from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is:

“Plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the motor vehicle; or louder than necessary for the convenient hearing by persons inside the vehicle in areas adjoining churches, schools, or hospitals.” 

This new statute relates to House Bill 1435— approved and signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis May 26, 2022. 

However, the statute of this section does not apply to any noise made by a horn or another warning device that adheres to implement safety measures while the vehicle is moving.

This statute is considered a non-criminal traffic infraction, which according to a Facebook post shared by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Florida Facebook page "enables law enforcement to give tickets" to anyone who violates it.