Rules of silence in Russia: when it is allowed to make noise according to the law and what to do in case of violations

Russians often face discomfort due to noisy neighbors. At the same time, the problem worsens during the New Year holidays: the number of complaints about loud noises from neighboring apartments traditionally increases. What rules of silence apply in Russia, whether there are exceptions for New Year's Eve and where to contact in case of violations — in the material of Izvestia.

Rules of silence in Russia: when and at what time can I make noise

In Russia, the time at which noise is allowed is largely determined by regional regulations. In this regard, the silence mode varies depending on the subject.

The following rules apply in Moscow:

— It is forbidden to make loud noises on weekdays from 23:00 to 07:00, as well as from 13:00 to 15:00. The restrictions apply to Sundays and non-working holidays. Noise includes, in particular, loud music, running the TV at high volume, singing and playing musical instruments.

— Repair work in the capital is prohibited on weekdays from 19:00 to 09:00 and from 13:00 to 15:00, as well as on Sundays and non-working holidays.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Alexander Kazakov

At the same time, the permissible noise level in residential premises should not exceed 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. The relevant requirements are stipulated in sanitary and epidemiological norms and Federal Law No. 52-FZ "On Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the population."

What are the rules of silence during the New Year holidays?

There are no special restrictions and indulgences for New Year's holidays, Elena Grin, Deputy head of the Department of Intellectual Property Rights at the Moscow State Law Institute, Chairman of the Union of Bloggers' Lawyers, tells Izvestia.

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— There are no separate exceptions for New Year's Eve and New Year's holidays. Therefore, the general rules should be followed. Usually, of course, police officers are more loyal on New Year's Eve, but you shouldn't take any chances. For violating the silence regime, a fine awaits — for example, in Moscow for individuals — up to 2 thousand rubles, for officials — up to 8 thousand rubles, for legal entities — from 40 thousand to 80 thousand rubles," the lawyer comments.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev

In addition, it should be remembered that it is necessary to observe the silence regime not only in your apartment, but also on the territory adjacent to it — in the courtyards. Fines are provided for violations of the rules.

How to measure noise and detect a violation of silence

For an approximate assessment of the noise level, you can use a household noise meter or a mobile application. This allows you to record the approximate volume level.

If the noise is regular and interferes with rest, it can be assumed that the permissible norms are exceeded, but this is definitively confirmed only by instrumental measurements. In such cases, experts advise to record the fact of violation.

Photo: Getty Images/PonyWang

In particular, it is recommended to record a video indicating the time, for example, by placing a watch or smartphone in the frame, as well as to make a brief description indicating the date, time of the beginning and end of the noise and its nature. If possible, it is worth involving neighbors in fixing — collective appeals, as a rule, are considered more effectively.

If noise interferes, including with the child's sleep, it is permissible to additionally record the consequences of the violation, including the moments of awakening due to loud noises, the expert notes.

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Where to contact in case of violation of the silence regime

It is worth starting with negotiations, but if violations occur again, proceed to more serious steps.

— If neighbors violate the silence regime day or night, you should first come to the neighbors and try to negotiate, if it doesn't work out, contact the police. Employees are required to immediately arrive at the scene, conduct a preventive conversation with violators, and, if necessary, draw up a protocol on an administrative offense," the lawyer explains.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov

In Moscow, complaints about noise from neighbors are accepted by the Association of Administrative and Technical Inspections, current contacts are posted on the official website of the department. A management company may also be involved in solving the problem.

In case of gross and systematic violations of the silence regime, citizens have the right to contact Rospotrebnadzor or the prosecutor's office. According to Grin, it is also possible to apply to the court with a claim for compensation for moral damage.

Experts recommend acting in stages. First of all, we should try to resolve the situation in a pre-trial manner by contacting our neighbors. In case of repeated violations, it is necessary to record the fact of noise using audio or video recording with the date and time.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Andrey Erstrem

Next, you can send a written request to the management company, HOA or OATI, as well as call the police. In case of regular violations of the silence regime, it is permissible to file a complaint with Rospotrebnadzor or the prosecutor's office. In the absence of a result, recourse to the court remains the last resort.