14/09/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
Sound Amplification from Premises and Vehicles
The Royal Anguilla Police Force has recently received an increasing number of complaints from members of the public concerning excessive amplified music and other sound from both premises and motor vehicles.
The RAPF recognises that music, entertainment and social events are an important part of life in Anguilla. However, everyone has a responsibility to ensure that their activities do not unreasonably interfere with others and that they comply with the law.
The Sound Amplification (Restriction) Act, R.S.A. c. S50 regulates amplified sound from both premises and vehicles.
Premises
Any person wishing to use amplified sound from premises in circumstances covered by the Act is required to comply with the appropriate permit requirements. Applications for permits must be made to the Commissioner of Police in accordance with the Act.
Where a permit is issued, it will specify the terms and conditions under which amplified sound is permitted, including the authorised times. The person responsible for the premises and those operating the sound equipment must comply with those conditions.
The existence of a permit does not provide an unrestricted authority to play amplified music. Amplification or transmission of sound outside the authorised times, or otherwise in breach of a condition of the permit, constitutes an offence.
The Act also prohibits the operation of amplified sound from premises, except under the authority and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit, where the noise unreasonably disturbs or annoys another person dwelling or working in neighbouring premises.
A person convicted on summary conviction of an offence relating to unlawful amplification from premises is liable to a fine of $2,000. Where the terms or conditions of a permit are breached, liability may extend both to the person causing the amplification and to the person who obtained the permit, even where the permit holder is not present at the premises.
Vehicles
The legislation also applies specifically to amplified sound from motor vehicles.
It is an offence for a person to play, operate, cause or allow the operation of a radio, sound system or other sound transmitting device from a vehicle, whether that vehicle is moving or stationary on a public road, where the sound can be heard at a distance exceeding 50 feet from its source.
The legislation provides an exception for sound transmitted from a vehicle participating in a cultural pageant.
Offences against the Sound Amplification (Restriction) Act are listed under the fixed penalty provisions of the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, with a fixed penalty of $300.
Increased RAPF Enforcement
The RAPF has sought to deal with these matters proportionately and through engagement and education wherever appropriate. However, the number of recent complaints indicates that greater compliance is required.
The RAPF will therefore be commencing more robust checks and enforcement in relation to amplified sound.
Officers will pay particular attention to premises operating amplified music without the appropriate permit, premises continuing beyond the times authorised by their permit, breaches of other permit conditions, and vehicles from which amplified sound can be heard beyond the distance permitted by law.
Where offences are identified, officers may take enforcement action in accordance with the legislation, including the use of fixed penalties where applicable and prosecution before the Court.
We ask owners and persons responsible for bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and other premises to familiarise themselves with the conditions of their permits and ensure that staff, DJs and other persons operating sound equipment comply with them.
We similarly ask motorists to use their vehicle sound systems responsibly and to remember that the 50 foot restriction applies whether the vehicle is moving or stationary on a public road.
The purpose of this enforcement activity is not to prevent people from enjoying music or entertainment. It is to ensure a reasonable balance between that enjoyment and the right of residents and others to enjoy their homes and places of work without unreasonable disturbance.
The RAPF asks for the cooperation of premises owners, event organisers, DJs, motorists and the wider community in ensuring compliance with the law.
Together for a Safer Anguilla
Royal Anguilla Police Force
Klass FM
Radio Anguilla
The Anguillian Newspaper
Anguilla Focus
Lloyd's LIVE
Upbeatradio Anguilla
