Mowing the Lawn on a Public Holiday: The Right Time to Avoid a Hefty Fine
In May, between long weekends and public holidays, the urge to garden grows like weeds. But did you know that your lawnmower could cost you more than just a fill-up? Before you hit the starter, it’s best to make sure you’re not breaking an often-overlooked, but very real, rule…
Can you really mow your lawn on a public holiday?
With the return of good weather, gardens become places of relaxation… or of discord. Nothing like the drone of a lawnmower at 10 a.m. to ruin your neighbor’s lie-in. It is precisely to avoid these conflictual situations that French regulations govern noisy gardening work, particularly lawn mowing.
But be careful: the law does not set a single rule that applies everywhere. Permits and schedules often depend on prefectural decrees, sometimes supplemented by municipal decrees. In other words, what is permitted in Toulouse may be prohibited in Lille.
Whether you own or rent, the best practice is always the same: check with your local town hall. They will provide you with the exact hours in effect in your municipality.
What are the permitted times for mowing?
To avoid turning your garden into a violation of the law, here are the generally accepted time slots nationwide:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. only
Outside of these hours, your lawnmower becomes a source of noise considered an “abnormal neighborhood disturbance,” a legal term that can cost you dearly.
These restrictions apply to all noisy appliances: lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, etc. Even if you feel like enjoying the peace and quiet of a holiday morning to do some gardening, it’s best to wait a little longer, or you risk turning this relaxing moment into a punishment.
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