In the car, along with high speed, many motorists like the opportunity to turn on music maximum and drive along the roads to their favorite track. When this happens on the autobahn or highway, the driver can choose the volume that is most preferable, and there will be no opponents. 

However, as soon as the car enters a residential area, the driver will have to regulate the sound mode because this can interfere with the normal life of citizens. In this article, we will talk about stereo laws and their features. 

Stereo Law

At the federal level, no law in the United States would control the sound level of stereo systems; however, in some states, local legislation has this act. For example, in Florida, there is a law according to which a situation is considered an offense if the sound from the car is heard at a distance of more than 25 feet. This is not a criminal offense but an administrative, the penalty for which is a fine of $114. In addition, music from the car should not be heard near public institutions such as schools or hospitals, as well as near churches. 

There are two motivations for introducing this rule. Firstly, a loud sound can prevent drivers of other cars from hearing police or ambulance sirens and disorient them. Secondly, loud noises can frighten residents and disturb their peace.  

Controversy 

In same Florida, ten years ago, such a law was repealed since it contradicted the First Amendment of the Constitution on freedom of expression. This issue has also caused a lot of controversy about music censorship, which acts against some religious and political considerations. However, there are no unambiguous formulations about music censorship in the law. 

The main point of disagreement is the question, is there a connection between fines for loud listening to music and a violation of the First Amendment? There is no answer, so there is no federal law. It all comes down to people’s conscientiousness and that they understand that loud music can interfere with someone and close the windows in the car.   

However, this is not all; there is also a misunderstanding about the situation when a person turns on loud music in a private territory. On the one hand, he can do whatever he wants, but on the other hand, loud music can intrude on the tranquility of neighbors. In this case, the solution to the problem may be contacting the police of the party that suffers from loud music. 

All in all, no one can forbid you to listen to loud music in the car; it is not illegal; however, in some states and even districts, there are penalties for excessive noise, music, rumbling from subwoofers, or exhaust pipes. In this regard, not to get a fine, carefully study the rules of the state before turning on the music to the maximum.