Relevant regulations on the operation of motor-driven machines, tools and garden equipment are contained in the Act on Protection against Harmful Environmental Impacts from Air Pollution, Noise, Vibration and Similar Processes (BImSchG) in conjunction with the 32nd Ordinance on the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (32nd BImSchV).

These regulations are generally aimed at both companies and private individuals.
According to Section 7 (1) No. 1 of the 32nd BImSchV, devices and machines may be used in

• pure, general and special residential areas,
• Small residential areas,
• Special areas used for recreation,
• spa and clinic areas and
• on the grounds of hospitals and nursing homes

may not be operated outdoors all day on Sundays and public holidays and from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. on working days.

There are special regulations for

• brush cutters,
• grass trimmers and grass edge trimmers,
• leaf blowers and leaf collectors,

which do not bear the Community eco-label (European eco-label) or do not meet the requirements for the permissible sound power levels of Stage II in Article 12 of Directive 2000/14/EC.

These may also be used between

• 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m,
• 13:00 and 15:00 and
• 17:00 and 20:00

may not be operated.

In individual cases, the competent authority may allow exceptions to the restrictions of Section 7 (1) of the 32nd BImSchV.

Approval is not required in accordance with Section 7 (2) of the 32nd BImSchV if the operation of the appliances and machines is necessary in individual cases to avert a danger in the event of severe weather or snowfall or to avert any other danger to people, the environment or property.