Summary: Decree no. 2017-1244 of 7 August 2017 on the prevention of risks related to noise and amplified sound
Codes concerned: amendments to related articles of the French Public Health Code and Environmental Code.
Purpose: to protect the hearing of the public exposed to amplified sound at high sound levels in places open to or receiving the public, whether indoor or outdoor, as well as the health of local residents.
Maximum permitted sound levels (average over 15 minutes)
| Type of venue | dB(A) | dB(C) |
|---|---|---|
| Open-air and indoor venues (general case) | 102 | 118 |
| Shows specifically intended for young audiences (children aged 6 or under) | 94 | 104 |
Obligations of operators and organisers
-
Recording and display
- Sound levels in dB(A) and dB(C) are recorded continuously and the data is kept.
- Measurements are displayed in real time or made available to the public.
-
Informing the public
- The public must be informed of the risks to their hearing.
- Poster messages: “High volume = hearing risk”, “Remember to take breaks!”
-
Free hearing protection
- Suitable protection, such as earplugs, is handed out free of charge to the public.
-
Hearing rest areas or periods
- The operator provides areas or times where sound exposure is lower.
- Examples: quiet zone, rest area, limited exposure time.
Protecting the neighbourhood
- Noise Impact Study (EINS): required by article R.571-27 of the Environmental Code. It strengthens the rules on overall and spectral emergence, generally limited to 3 dB, to protect local residents.
- Updating the EINS: it must be carried out again whenever the sound system is modified, for example:
- replacing the amplifier;
- replacing or moving the speakers;
- building work affecting the premises (openings, partitions, ventilation, sound insulation).
Penalties
Failure to comply with these rules may result in:
- a 5th class fine;
- confiscation of the sound equipment;
- permanent closure of the establishment by court order.
This summary is for information only: only the official text is legally binding. Read the decree (PDF)