Motorized lawnmowers are both a blessing and a curse in the garden. Thanks to their motor power, mowing the lawn becomes child's play. The associated noise often becomes a nuisance that divides good neighborhoods. In order to curb noise pollution, the legislature has issued specific regulations. Find out at what times you can mow your lawn without getting into trouble with the law.
When are you allowed to mow the lawn?
Mowing the lawn is generally permitted in residential areas and special regions in accordance with the Equipment and Machinery Noise Protection Ordinance from Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., except on Sundays and public holidays. Hand mowers may be used at any time. Municipal regulations and lunchtime rest times must be observed.
Mowing the lawn is allowed on weekdays
The Equipment and Machinery Noise Protection Ordinance regulates the use of lawnmowers in residential areas and special regions, such as near hospitals or in spa areas. With regard to the specific times, a distinction is made between lawn mower types and their noise levels. The following overview summarizes the minimum standard:
- Lawn mowing allowed: Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Operation of lawn mowers not permitted: Sundays, public holidays and weekdays from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Saturday is considered a workday)
- Exception: hand mowers may be operated at any time
With the regulation, the legislature only sets the basic direction for noise protection in residential areas. States and municipalities have the right to issue special regulations that significantly exceed the minimum standard. For example, in many federal states there are more extensive regulations for observing a midday rest period from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Before you start your lawn mower, please check with your local public order office about the rules for your region.
Tip
If you use your grass trimmer correctly, observing rest periods is part of it. In many federal states, the operation of these loud devices is restricted to weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Grass trimmers with the green-blue EU eco-label, on the other hand, may be used in the garden on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
