Reference Materials | Environmental Protection Department

	Neighbourhood noise is noise from domestic or public places, under the control of the Noise Control Ordinance and is dealt with by the Police on a subjective nuisance basis.

	Under the ordinance, during the night time (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), or at any time on a general holiday, it is an offence to make any neighbourhood noise which causes annoyance to any person.

	Under the ordinance, at any time of the day, neighbourhood noise from the following is controlled :

	playing any musical or other instrument, including record or cassette player or radio or television; using any loudspeaker, megaphone, or other device or instrument for magnifying sound; playing any game or engaging in any pastime; carrying on a trade or business; operating any air-conditioning or ventilating system; keeping any animal or bird that makes any noise; making any noise in or near any public place, for the purpose of attracting attention to goods, wares or trade.

	As neighbourhood noise problems are very often of a transient nature, property management offices should give advice/warning as appropriate to stop the noise at the first instance whenever practicable.

	Penalty for the offence of neighbourhood noise nuisance - Maximum fine HK$ 10,000.