May 13, 2026, 12:33 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Using a conventional lawn mower powered by electricity or gasoline is prohibited on Sundays and holidays. That’s clear. But what about robotic mowers, which are in constant use but generate less noise?
Robotic mowers are relatively new to the market but are becoming increasingly popular. No wonder: They save you the work, and the lawn is always trimmed to the same length. Even the fine grass clippings can be left on the lawn, as they act as fertilizer. But should you pause the automatic mower on Sundays and holidays? Could a neighbor complain about it? myHOMEBOOK asked Thomas Pliester, a specialist lawyer for real estate, rental, and neighbor law.
Court Ruled on Use of Robotic Mowers and Quiet Hours
There is no general legal regulation that restricts the use of a robotic mower on Sundays or holidays. However, a ruling has been made on this matter by the Siegburg District Court (Case No. 118 C 97/13). This case, however, dealt with general quiet hours on weekdays. The “Sunday question” was not addressed here.
In the specific case, a woman’s robot mowed every weekday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Besides the interruptions for charging breaks, the robotic mower also adhered to the legally prescribed quiet hours between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Nevertheless, the woman’s neighbors felt disturbed by the constant operation of the robotic mower. They claimed the noise caused a nuisance that led to health impairments.
Related: Times When Lawn Mowing Is Prohibited
The court dismissed the neighbors’ complaint. “In this decision, the district court assumes that a robotic lawn mower does not constitute a nuisance to neighbors–at least not if the general quiet hours are observed,” Pliester clarifies. The robot complied with all legal regulations. The “Technical Instructions on Noise Protection” (TA Lärm) from the Federal Environment Agency, which sets a daytime limit of 50 dB in residential areas, was also adhered to.
Regulations for Using a Robotic Mower on Sundays and Holidays
According to Pliester, the decisive factor in this case is the “Equipment and Machine Noise Protection Ordinance” (32nd BImSchV). “The annex explicitly mentions lawn mowers under item 32,” the lawyer explains. “This actually suggests adopting the operating times from Section 7 of the 32nd BImSchV.” According to this, devices and machines “may not be operated on Sundays and holidays all day, as well as on weekdays from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.” This regulation applies in residential areas, small settlement areas, and special areas intended for recreation–such as parks.
“In core areas, mixed areas, or peripheral settlements, it does not apply,” says Pliester. Here, you can “actually mow the lawn around the clock” and are only restricted by the TA Lärm. However, you should also consider any local ordinances that may impose stricter regulations. You can check with the local municipality to find out which regulations apply. Tenants should also look at their lease agreement and house rules.