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A nationwide noise protection ordinance basically regulates whether you are allowed to mow your lawn on Saturday or Sunday. Depending on the federal state or municipality, different regulations may apply.
Regulations as rules
In 1992, a Lawn Mower Ordinance was issued, which standardized the operation of the devices nationwide. So-called rest periods were stipulated, during which the lawn was not allowed to be mowed. This ordinance was replaced in 2002 by the Device and Machine Noise Protection Ordinance (also known as the 32nd ordinance for the implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act, or 32nd BImSchV for short). It no longer only includes lawn mowers, but also other garden tools that can become a nuisance to neighbors due to the noise pollution. This ordinance regulates the operation of the devices outdoors.
regulations in residential areas
In principle, the law prohibits the use of grass trimmers or edge cutters, electric or petrol-powered hedge trimmers and lawn mowers outside of a certain period of time. The ban applies not only to residential areas, but also to small settlements, spa and recreation areas or clinic areas. The regulation divides the week into working days, Sundays and public holidays. Saturday counts as a working day. These are the cornerstones that apply nationwide:
- Lawn mowing is permitted between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m
- Permission is only valid from Monday to Saturday
- lawn mowing is prohibited all day on Sundays and public holidays
Tip: If you need to mow your lawn outside of the allowed time, you should do it with a silent hand mower or hand shears. The use of such devices is not prohibited by law.
exceptions
Different rules apply in the country than in the city. The ordinance does not apply in villages and mixed industrial areas. Here, lawnmowers can generally be used around the clock and on any day of the week, provided that the operation does not violate the general regulations on nighttime rest. However, states and local authorities can themselves enact regulations that include areas excluded from the law. It may therefore happen in some municipalities that lawn mowing is also not permitted between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. due to the applicable lunchtime rest period. There are also special regulations for particularly loud devices such as grass trimmers, which may only be operated on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Notice: It is best to find out from your municipality whether you are also allowed to mow your lawn on Sundays.
fines
Anyone who violates the ordinance or the regulations of the municipalities and municipalities commits an administrative offense and can be reported. Landlords can impose sanctions on their tenants who do not follow the rules. If these do not help, the regulatory office should be involved. This is also responsible for homeowners who break the law. The amount of the penalty is decided on a case-by-case basis. In the worst case, sinners can expect a fine of up to 50,000 euros.
Sources:
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bimschv_32/BJNR347810002.html
https://www.arag.de/service/infos-und-news/rechtstipps-und-gerichturteile/heim-und-garten/2831/?cookieSetting=true
https://www.nachbarrecht.com/thema/rasenmaeher-ruhestoerung.html
https://www.bussgeldkatalog.net/en/umweltschutzordnungstrafficking/bimschv/
https://anwaltauskunft.de/magazin/leben/freizeit-alltag/darf-man-sonntags-rasen-maehen