Sunday is a day of rest, of course. But am I not allowed to wash my car that day?
Table of contents
- This is what the law says about washing cars on Sundays
- You are NOT allowed to wash the car here on Sundays
- Washing the car on Sundays: It is allowed here
- Special regulations in the federal states
Is your car dirty and could urgently use a polish? What day is better than Sunday: you usually have nothing planned and therefore plenty of time for car care.
But can you actually wash your car on Sundays? After all, it is already stated in the Basic Law (Article 140) that Sunday is protected by law. We'll explain whether you're allowed to clean the car on Sundays and what you need to pay attention to.
This is what the law says about washing cars on Sundays
In general: What is permitted on Sundays and public holidays is regulated by law - in the so-called public holiday law. TheLaw of NRWstates: “On Sundays and public holidays, all publicly noticeable work that is likely to disturb the external peace of the day is prohibited.”
This can – but does not have to – include cleaning the car. In fact, this is regulated differently from state to state.
You are NOT allowed to wash the car here on Sundays
In the federal statesBaden-Württemberg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and SaarlandWashing cars on Sundays is not permitted. That means:
- Car washes remain closed.
- The self-service wash boxes at gas stations also remain closed.
- You are also not allowed to clean your car at home or in the garden.
However, the latter has less to do with Sunday rest and more to do with environmental protection. In many places it is important to ensure that you do not contaminate the groundwater with your wiping water. Severe fines can be imposed.
Suitable for: Can you even wash your car at home?
Washing the car on Sundays: It is allowed here
However, car cleaning on Sundays is permitted in Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. The car washes here remain open on Sundays. But here too there are specific rules depending on the federal state.
And: In these federal states, the fun of washing at home in the yard and garden is also viewed critically. Be sure to find out what is permitted on site!
More reading material:
Special regulations in the federal states
Washing your car on Sundays is allowed in some federal states. However, there are certain exceptions and regulations. These regulations apply in the individual federal states:
Bayern
Here the washing permit is left to the municipalities. These have to be loudHoliday lawPlease note, however, that a car wash may not be operated before 12 p.m. and that washing is not carried out on the following public holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, May 1st, Boxing Day and Boxing Day.
Berlin
Although washing cars is actually not allowed in Berlin, under the “Convenience Trade OrdinanceHowever, it is still permitted to employ people in car washes on Sundays and public holidays. Exception: Christmas holidays, New Year's Day, Good Friday, 1st and 2nd Easter, May 1st and Pentecost.
Brandenburg
In Brandenburg, washing is permitted as long as the holiday peace is not disturbed. LoudLawThere is also a ban on Christmas Day, Easter Sunday, Whitsun Sunday, Reformation Festival, Remembrance Day and the Sunday of the Dead. The systems must also be shut down during the service.
Hamburg
In Hamburg you can wash your car on Sundays in commercial or industrial areas between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. The exceptions to this are loudHoliday regulationspublic holidays that fall on Sundays, as well Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, Remembrance Day and Funeral Sunday.
Hesse
Here too, the responsibility lies with the municipalities. However, only fully automatic, closed car washes that belong to gas stations may be approved.
In addition, there is noisyHoliday lawtime window. Between May 1st and August 31st, the car washes can open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., otherwise only until 8 p.m. In addition, cars are not allowed to be washed in Hesse on the holidays of Good Friday, Remembrance Day and Sunday of the Dead.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Cleaning is noisyLawnot permitted on Easter Sunday, Whitsun Sunday, Remembrance Day and Funeral Sunday.
Saxony-Anhalt
In principle, laundry is permitted on Sundays. Exceptions are loudHoliday lawonly Easter Sunday, Whitsun Sunday, Remembrance Day, Funeral Sunday and Sundays that are also state-recognized holidays.
Saxony
In this state you are allowed toLawFully automatic car washes at gas stations can be operated on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. if they are in a “closed design”. Self-washing facilities at gas stations are permitted between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. If the automatic or self-washing facility is in a commercial area, you can use it between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Schleswig-Holstein
“Automatic car wash systems and self-wash systems for motor vehicles” are datedHoliday lawof the federal state excluded. So there are no restrictions.
Thuringia
In Thuringia, a permit is granted if it can be ensured that “disturbing the public’s holiday peace” can be ruled out, as stated in theHoliday lawof the country is called. Permission is granted by districts, independent cities or municipalities.
