Can I be loud at night in Austria?
It depends — there is no single nationwide night curfew. Whether you may be loud is judged by the concept of improper noise-making. Quiet hours are set by the provincial police laws and municipal ordinances — usually around night-time (often 10pm–6am), sometimes a midday rest. "Disturbing noise in an improper manner" is an administrative offence, regardless of the exact hour. For tenants, the house rules and lease additionally set quiet times. Neighbours can act under § 364 of the Civil Code against noise beyond the locally customary level. In short: no rigid federal rule, but unreasonable noise is punishable — day or night.
📋 The rules
- No single federal night curfew
- Quiet hours set by province and municipality (often 10pm–6am)
- Improper noise is punishable
- Tenants: mind the house rules and lease
- Neighbour protection under § 364 Civil Code
🔓 Exceptions
- Normal living sounds and children's noise must be tolerated
- One-off events (a party) sometimes allowed with notice/exemption
- Construction and garden noise usually only weekday daytime
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Fines depend on the province; in Vienna, for example, improper noise can draw an administrative fine of up to about €700. With a persistent disturbance the police (133) can be called to record the incident. Beware a myth: "after 10pm there must be absolute silence, it's federal law" is false — there is no uniform federal 10pm silence rule; what counts is whether the noise is improper and exceeds the local level, which can also apply during the day. Tip: tell neighbours before a party and keep to the quiet hours in the house rules.
📎 Official sources
- oesterreich.gv.at · nuisance from neighbours →
- Tenants' Association · noise →
- RIS · Civil Code § 364 →
❓ Frequently asked
Is there a statutory night curfew in Austria?
There is no uniform nationwide night curfew. Quiet hours are set by the provincial police laws and by municipal ordinances, usually around the night-time of about 10pm to 6am. What always matters is whether the noise is improper.
What does improper noise mean?
It is disturbing noise in an improper manner, that is noise exceeding the locally customary and reasonable level. It's an administrative offence under the relevant provincial police law and can be punished regardless of the exact hour, including during the day.
May a baby cry at night?
Yes. Normal expressions of living such as a crying baby or children's noise must in principle be tolerated and don't count as improper noise. It's different for avoidable noise such as loud music, party noise or machines at night.
What does a noise disturbance cost?
The amount depends on the province. In Vienna improper noise can draw an administrative fine of up to about €700. With a persistent disturbance the police can be called to record the incident and, if appropriate, file a report.
What can I do about noise as a tenant?
For tenants the house rules and lease set the quiet hours. If a neighbour repeatedly disturbs you, you can turn to the building management. In addition, § 364 of the Civil Code protects against noise that exceeds the local level and substantially impairs the use of your flat.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “quiet hours austria time”
- “noise disturbance fine austria”
- “improper noise law”
- “neighbour loud at night what to do”
- “midday rest austria”
- “noise nuisance vienna fine”