# 36 C.F.R. § 2.12 (2026): Audio disturbances

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_12

## Section

- **Citation:** 36 C.F.R. § 2.12 (2026)
- **Heading:** Audio disturbances
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 36 CFR: Parks, Forests, and Public Property / Chapter I: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR / Part 2: RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE AND RECREATION / § 2.12: § 2.12   Audio disturbances.

## Text

(a) The following are prohibited:
(1) Operating motorized equipment or machinery such as an electric generating plant, motor vehicle, motorized toy, or an audio device, such as a radio, television set, tape deck or musical instrument, in a manner: (i) That exceeds a noise level of 60 decibels measured on the A-weighted scale at 50 feet; or, if below that level, nevertheless; (ii) makes noise which is unreasonable, considering the nature and purpose of the actor's conduct, location, time of day or night, purpose for which the area was established, impact on park users, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances.
(2) In developed areas, operating a power saw, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit.
(3) In nondeveloped areas, operating any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine, except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit. This paragraph does not apply to vessels in areas where motor boating is allowed.
(4) Operating a public address system, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to § 2.50 or § 2.51.
(b) Violation of the terms and conditions of a permit issued in accordance with section is prohibited and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit.

## Nearby sections

- [36 C.F.R. § 2.1 (2026) § 2.1   Preservation of natural, cultural and archeological resources.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_1.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.2 (2026) § 2.2   Wildlife protection.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_2.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.3 (2026) § 2.3   Fishing.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_3.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.4 (2026) § 2.4   Weapons, traps and nets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_4.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.5 (2026) § 2.5   Research specimens.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_5.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.6 (2026) § 2.6   Gathering of plants or plant parts by federally recognized Indian tribes.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_6.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.10 (2026) § 2.10   Camping and food storage.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_10.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.11 (2026) § 2.11   Picnicking.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_11.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.12 (2026) § 2.12   Audio disturbances.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_12.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.13 (2026) § 2.13   Fires.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_13.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.14 (2026) § 2.14   Sanitation and refuse.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_14.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.15 (2026) § 2.15   Pets.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_15.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.16 (2026) § 2.16   Horses and pack animals.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_16.md)
- [36 C.F.R. § 2.17 (2026) § 2.17   Aircraft and air delivery.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_17.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T36_P2_S2_12. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.