AZE.US
Passengers in Azerbaijan who watch videos or listen to music loudly on public transport could face legal consequences in some cases, even though the behavior is not listed as a separate offense under the law.
The issue has become a growing source of tension on buses and in the metro, where long commutes, traffic congestion, and overcrowding already leave many passengers frustrated. In that setting, people who play music, TV shows, or social media videos out loud on their phones often trigger arguments with those around them.
While many see it as a matter of poor manners, lawyers say the issue can also cross into legal territory.
Fuad Mammadov, head of the legal department at the Azerbaijan Society of Appraisers, told Demokrat.az that openly watching films or listening to music at high volume on public transport is not specifically defined as an administrative offense. However, if the behavior disturbs public order or seriously interferes with the comfort of other passengers, it could be treated as petty hooliganism.
Under Article 510 of Azerbaijan’s Code of Administrative Offenses, petty hooliganism covers conduct that disrupts public order without involving violence or damage to property. In such cases, offenders may face a fine of 50 to 100 manats. Depending on the circumstances and the individual involved, administrative detention for up to 15 days may also be imposed if a fine is considered insufficient.
A recent incident in the Goranboy district highlighted how quickly disputes over loud sound can escalate. In the village of Manashli, a man born in 1993 was seriously injured and hospitalized after asking his neighbor to lower the volume of music playing in a car. A 34-year-old suspect has since been detained, and the case remains under investigation.
The legal takeaway is that playing loud audio in a bus or metro carriage may not automatically result in punishment, but if it leads to a serious disturbance, police intervention and administrative penalties are possible.