Display - Report noise nuisance
Whether you perceive sounds as noise depends, among other things, on your personal perception and the source or cause of the noise.
In the case of noise from the neighbourhood, first talk to the people who are causing it and try to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
Ask other affected people in your neighbourhood whether they also feel annoyed and have already taken action if necessary.
If you cannot reach a compromise through dialogue and you feel that your peace and quiet is being unreasonably disturbed, you can
- inform the relevant authorities or
- contact the police in acute cases.
Note: If you have a complaint about noise or odour emissions from industrial plants, you must proceed differently.
Responsible authority
- the municipality as the local police authority (public order office) or
- any police station
Details
Prerequisite
You feel annoyed by noise.
Procedure
You can report the noise nuisance to your local authority or, in acute cases, to the relevant police station.
The police will check on site whether the noise is significantly disturbing the neighbourhood. If necessary, they will take the necessary measures, such as switching off the music system. Unnecessary and unreasonable noise nuisance can be punished as an administrative offence with a fine of up to EUR 5,000.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
none
Costs
none
Miscellaneous
Motorised gardening equipment may only be used in residential areas on weekdays between 7 am and 8 pm. There may be further restrictions for particularly loud appliances such as leaf blowers.
The midday quiet period is not protected by law. However, such a quiet period may be stipulated under private law, for example in a tenancy agreement or by municipal statutes or regulations.
Legal basis
Gesetz über Ordnungswidrigkeiten (OWiG):
- § 117 Unzulässiger Lärm
32. Verordnung zur Durchführung des Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetzes (Geräte- und Maschinenlärmschutzverordnung - 32. BImSchV)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 26.09.2024