Residents off-base must be aware of quiet hours

***image1***Americans living on the economy must be aware of German quiet hours if they do not want to get into trouble with their German neighbors or the German law. The so-called quiet hours determine when people have to keep noise levels down and stop loud activities outdoors or listening to loud music.

Excessive noise is prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Quiet hours also must be observed from 1 to 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays.

During that time, noise levels have to be kept down as much as possible.

The use of motor-powered lawn mowers or other garden equipment is only permissible from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. The operation of such loud machines is not permitted Sundays or holidays.

Television sets, stereo equipment and radios must also be kept at an acceptable volume level. Even outside the quiet hours, noise must be avoided if it might disturb other people.

Another noise factor is a running vehicle engine. Due to noise and environmental reasons, it is not allowed to keep a vehicle running when it is parked or warming up in winter.

People violating the quiet hour regulations can be fined.