07 June 04

Policy for German Customs/Law Regarding Quiet Hours

1. Purpose: This memorandum establishes local policy for guidelines on German customs and laws regarding quiet hours to be considered when living in Germany.
2. Applicability: This policy is applicable to all tenant units and activities within the 221st Base Support Battalion (BSB) footprint.
3. Procedure.
   1. Living overseas can provide new and exciting adventures as well as opportunities to learn about different cultures. While we expect some of the ways of our host nation neighbors to be a bit different from those we are accustomed to at home, it is important to take steps to respect and obey German customs and laws. This way, we can ensure a peaceful and friendly coexistence.
   2. Every year, our community receives a number of complaints regarding violations of the German quiet hours by using lawn mowers, playing loud-volume stereos and speakers in open windows, running or revving automobile engines for long periods of time while warming them up, washing a car while the radio plays with a loud-volume, and letting children play outside, unattended, until late at night when the days get longer and warmer.
   3. Local noise-abatement guidelines are much more restrictive here than in the United States. German law stipulates that noise is acceptable only as long as neighbors are not disturbed. German mid-day quiet hours are also in effect in most communities. In accordance with the laws governing the State of Hesse, quiet hours are:
      • Daily from 1–3 p.m.
      • All day on Sunday and German holidays
      • 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Saturday, September through April
      • 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday through Saturday, May through August
      Additionally, State of Hesse laws do not allow lawn machinery to operate from 7–9 a.m., 1–3 p.m. and after 5 p.m. Fines are imposed when quiet hour laws are broken.
   4. The following guidelines are for residents of American housing areas and Kasernes located near German residential neighborhoods (including garden areas) and U.S. Army personnel living in leased housing and on the economy:
      1. Avoid noise of any kind such as but not limited to loud music, lawn mowing, running engines during the quiet hours.
      2. Confine the playing of musical instruments or stereo equipment to quarters. Volume level at all times should be such that no loud music can be heard outside the residence. Adjust accordingly when windows are open during the summer months. The same general rules apply to playing car radio/audio equipment.
   5. I urge you to obey German noise laws. Commanders, please remind your soldiers and co-workers that we must do our part to avoid unnecessary disturbance by emphasizing the importance of quiet hours and local customs here in Germany. We must do our part in fostering good relations with our host nation.
4. Proponent. The Public Affairs Office, 221st BSB is the proponent for this policy.

//original signed//
CHRISTOPHER C. FRANKS
LTC, CM
Commanding