Are normal everyday sounds acceptable? It's suggested that these sounds should be banned at certain times.

2025-11-04

Why is it so difficult to solve neighborhood noise?

Because of many household noises

In the eyes of most people

These are all caused by their own normal daily life.

Neighbors have no right to interfere

In the "Environmental Noise Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations"

The prohibited behaviors that cause noise in home life are limited to these few items:

Article 46 When using household appliances, musical instruments, or engaging in other indoor family entertainment activities, the volume should be controlled or other effective measures should be taken to avoid causing environmental noise pollution to surrounding residents.

Article 47 When carrying out interior decoration activities in residential buildings that have been completed and delivered for use, the working hours shall be limited and other effective measures shall be taken to reduce or avoid environmental noise pollution to the surrounding residents.

However, these measures are far from solving neighborhood noise, especially noise from upstairs neighbors.

Let's look at Germany's legal measures regarding neighborhood noise:

In residential areas, the new German law stipulates that no noise should be made between 10 PM and 6 AM, between 12 PM and 2 PM, and on Sundays. Silence must be maintained, and loud talking, playing music, or holding parties are prohibited during these times to avoid disturbing neighbors' rest. If activities or renovations are absolutely necessary, neighbors' consent must be obtained; otherwise, those causing disturbances can directly call the police or even file a lawsuit.

Repeat offenders who violate noise control laws can be fined up to 250,000 euros.

Singapore's laws regarding neighborhood noise:

Under Singapore's Public Recreation Act, it is illegal to sing, recite, sing folk songs, or play instruments loudly in public places in a way that disturbs others. However, Singapore does not prohibit genuine street art or deliberately suppress the talents of its people.

Singapore imposes very strict penalties for making noise in public places. Anyone who sings loudly, plays a musical instrument, or otherwise makes noise in public and annoys others will be fined or imprisoned for disorderly conduct. Even at home, shouting or singing loudly should be done carefully, as disturbing neighbors will also result in punishment.

Parents who let their children practice piano for long periods or allow them to run around and throw toys on the floor upstairs are likely to be reported and fined for upsetting their neighbors. Therefore, even at home, Singaporean parents will warn their "naughty kids" to be quiet.

It can be seen that Germany and Singapore have specified certain noise behaviors in detail. Such clear legal provisions make residents aware of what they can and cannot do, preventing them from taking chances and making them feel that they can do whatever they want at home.

Let's look at the difficulties that Chinese police face in resolving neighborhood noise issues:

1. Inadequate relevant noise laws.

2. The police lack the ability to collect evidence related to noise pollution.

3. The penalties for noise pollution are weak.

To address the difficulties police face in handling neighborhood noise, it's helpful to refine the relevant behaviors. This would provide the police with a legal basis for enforcement. Below are some detailed prohibitions based on the most common behaviors encountered regarding neighborhood noise:

1. Use high-frequency and low-frequency speakers to host parties and gatherings.

2. Gathering at home to play mahjong or poker.

3. Exercise at home: skipping rope, running, dancing, aerobics, etc.

4. Repeatedly hit the floor with a ball, toy, etc.

5. Using musical instruments

6. Making loud noises

7. Avoid using noisy appliances such as soy milk makers, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners.

8. Chopping vegetables, mincing meat, etc.

Note: The main prohibitions apply during rest hours, such as national statutory holidays, 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, and 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (children under 6 years old are a special group; their crying and fussing should be understood, but running around can be managed with appropriate measures). In addition to prohibiting certain behaviors, the penalties should be increased to create a deterrent effect.

The above advice applies only if your home's sound insulation is inadequate, and the noise you're making is disturbing your neighbors, leading to a police report. If your home has excellent sound insulation and doesn't bother anyone, you can disregard the above suggestions.

At this point, some might say that my suggestion is too demanding and impractical; how can you expect people to stay home and not do laundry or cook? Therefore, I've specified rest periods. These rest periods are what most people consider their usual rest time. For those whose daily routines differ from others, it's unreasonable to expect them to be quiet. For example, it's unreasonable to expect neighbors who work night shifts and sleep during the day to get up at 7 am to cook or make soy milk. And for those who get off work late and still need to use the washing machine at 11 pm, a little consideration for the neighbors would be acceptable; doing laundry during the day is also possible.

This is just a personal suggestion.

Although it may not be possible to achieve this.

But that doesn't diminish my yearning for a better life.

If there is anything inappropriate or other thoughts...

Feel free to leave a message in the comments/group to discuss.