What rights/options do I have?

Question

I am 13 and the cops just came to my house and said an anoymonous person complained my drums are too loud. It is strange though because I have been playing for 5 months already and no complaints. Do I have rights that allow me to keep playing without mutes. Is it possible to get a noise permit for this type of thing. Or do I have to go ahead and use the mutes. Please help.

Answer 1

Take it from someone who has had the cops called on him a lot for music, you are not 'disturbing the peace' until after 10pm.  Period.  If the person knows you they should approach with a compromise or something, not call the cops.  But at night buddy, you gotta cut it out, sorry!  Hope this helps!

Answer 2

u have to use the mutes.  almost every city has a noise ordience that must be adheared to.  even if not, i am sure that you wouldn't want to be un neighborly...right.  seriously i used to play the drums back in the day too.  i understand what ur saying, but now as i am older and "wiser" i understand why other people don't want to hear our talents....good luck and do the right thing.

Answer 3

well i dunno i have this one house across the street from ma house and they always play with the drums in the garage and no one complains about them even they are loud and u can hear it from inside the housee..they are pretty good .i think u have the right to play wit ur drums those people just need to put ear plugs on if they dont like to hear it.. :]

Answer 4

It could be that people have been upset for 5 months and are just now complaining.  It amazes me how neighbors won't talk to each other.  If the Police actually told you to reduce the noise, then you are probably too loud.  Otherwise they probably would have told the complainer they had no grounds.  Try the mutes or get electronic pads and headphones.

I'm on my HOA board and we have to deal with this type of thing all the time.

Answer 5

if they get called out again you will likely get a noise violation - a ticket. your parents will probably have to pay it and you'll be screwed.  try using the mutes at night, let it fly during the day.  rock on.

Answer 6

Just because someone complained doesn't mean the complaint was justified.  Noise ordinances are different in evey city.  You can read yours at the local court house or city hall.  On the other hand, you now know that you are annoying a neighbor.  Even if you have the right to be loud enough to annoy your neighbors doesn't mean you ought to exercise that right.

Answer 7

If you are annoying the neighbors with your drums, you are infringing on THEIR RIGHTS of peace.  You are disturbing the peace with your drums and it is your responsibility to soundproof your drum room so as not to disturb the peace of others.  Please think of others and their rights and not just yourself.  

Answer 8

Out of consideration for your neighbors I'd say go for the mutes. I'm also a drummer and have run into similar problems. It does damper your sound a bit however it will save everybody their share of aggravation when that one uptight neighbor complains. Mutes are a good thing to have on the side anyway.

Oh, as for the noise permit. Unfortunately your town government wont grant a permit to a resident for anything less than necessary construction. Even construction workers have designated times they can work with machinery and noise making instruments.

Answer 9

Contact your local police department, and the city office. They will be happy to inform you of your rights and obligations.

Answer 10

Well, i think they'll give you a fine, for loud noises, but it depends  where you play if u dont want anybody to hear you play

Answer 11

I think the mature thing to do would be to respect the rights of others to have peace and quiet.  Is there somewhere else in your home you can play that would reduce the noise level?  The basement perhaps?  You might want to speak to your neighbours directly, maybe you can reach a compromise.  They might say it's OK for you to play at certain times of the day when they are at work or whatever or maybe you could limit your playing time.  I thinks it's too bad that no one came to talk to you.  That's rather cowardly on their part and not very adult either.  What did your parents have to say about this incident?