Sunday ban for car wash: innovation backlog in Rhineland-Palatinate?

Sunday ban for car wash: innovation backlog in Rhineland-Palatinate?

In Germany, the regulation on car wash on Sundays and public holidays is a controversial topic that is handled differently nationwide. In the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, car washing is strictly prohibited on Sundays, a fact that is increasing among the population and affected companies. In contrast, Hessen allows, for example, car wash on Sundays and public holidays, which has reinforced the demands for adapting the laws in Rhineland-Palatinate. So the Borkener Zeitung that the petrol station interest association is considered to be outdated and considered a relic from the past.

The financial effects of the Sunday washing ban should not be underestimated. It is estimated that medium-sized petrol station operators in Rhineland-Palatinate lose between 5,000 and 10,000 euros a year by not setting their carpets. The association already asked Prime Minister Alexander Schweitzer for a dialogue, but there was no answer. This situation is also exacerbated by the Water Household Act, which forbids washing in the garden or on unpaved areas and threatening fines in the event of violations.

ecological aspects and concerns

economic aspects are not the only factors that play a role in this debate. The BUND for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany (BUND) warns of the ecological consequences of car wash at home, especially through harmful chemical substances that can get into the waste water and burden the groundwater. Therefore, the federal government recommends using approved self -service washing places and car washes because they are considered more environmentally friendly and water -saving.

The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of the Interior confirms that the operation of car facilities is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays. This prohibition is based on the state law on the protection of Sundays and public holidays, which protects Sunday as a day of rest and soul relaxation. This legislation is supported by many unions, including the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), which emphasize the importance of a day of rest for relaxation and family activities.

variety of regulations in the federal states

Overall, however, there are big differences in the handling of the topic "Car wash on Sundays" in the various federal states. Loud Mercury In a total of seven federal states, the regulations are particularly strict: Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Bremen, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland completely ban car wash on Sundays. However, there are loosened regulations in other federal states. For example, it is permitted in Hesse to wash between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., in Hamburg this is allowed from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and in Bavaria approved washes are possible on certain holidays.

The differences in the legal regulations often mean that drivers drive to adjacent federal states to have their vehicles cleaned. This can be an incentive for drivers in particular in the border regions who do not want to do without washing on Sunday. While the discussion about a change in the law in Rhineland-Palatinate is worried, the question remains open how the various regulations will develop in the federal states.