Sundays Off? Car Washes Take a Back Seat in Rhineland-Palatinate 🚗✨español🇪🇸
On a Sunday, the vehicle remains uncleaned - Each Sunday, the car remains unwashed.
Got a car that needs a good clean on a lazy Sunday? Think again if you're residing in Rhineland-Palatinate. Unlike neighboring Hesse, the state doesn't permit car washing on Sundays. Critics argue this antiquated law needs an overhaul.
"It's outdated," says the Filling Station Association, who point out that work is being done at filling stations on Sundays. Many self-service car washes also operate without staff. Besides, in numerous European countries, car wash days are flexible.
Small business owners in Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, the Saarland, and other federal states see an annual profit loss of roughly 5,000 to 10,000 euros due to this ban, according to the association's warning.
But it's not just the profits that are at stake. Environmental concerns also come into play: Car washes are more water-saving and ecologically friendly than home washes, argues the association.
Scared of a chat with the Minister President?
The association has knocked on the door of Rhineland-Palatinate's Minister President, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), for a discussion, but to no avail. The Minister President hasn't responded to the request or invited the association for a talk, a Mainz-based German Press Agency spokesperson shared.
The legislation governing where and when car washings are allowed is complex. Car washing is prohibited in gardens or unpaved areas, and a fine might be imposed according to the Water Resources Act.
Beware of using chemicals in water
Even with clear water, wastewater contains chemical substances and compounds that can potentially contaminate groundwater, the Rhineland-Palatinate branch of the German Environmental Aid (BUND) explained.
Authorities decide on regulations for car washing on paved ground or roadside areas. Therefore, it's crucial to check local regulations with the responsible authorities, said the BUND.
Got green thumbs? Go for approved car washes!
The environmental association advises using approved self-service car washes and car wash tunnels for car washing. These facilities pre-clean, separate, and properly discharge pollutants.
If you fancy a quick wash, opt for shorter programs, the BUND advises. Compared to washing at home, car washes use recycled water and thus reduce overall water consumption.
What's the official word from the Ministry of the Interior?
The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of the Interior recently stated that operating car washes and car wash tunnels on Sundays and public holidays is prohibited. This ban is based on the state law on the protection of Sundays and public holidays, which aims to guarantee a day of rest.
"It's a workday activity," the Ministry explained, "viewed as a means to make a profit, [and] hinders the essence of the day of rest for both its religious and secular aspects."
Union representatives echoed this sentiment: "Sunday is a day to spend with family and friends," said Susanne Wingertszahn, chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation. "It's rightly protected by law."
So, is a change a-coming?
State parliamentarian Stephan Wefelscheid of the Free Democrats believes the law is no longer relevant. Car washes are usually set up away from residential areas, and many are self-service. Wefelscheid called for a shift in the state government's thinking and a review of the ban.
He argued that, in a society where both partners increasingly have to work, Sunday restrictions are outdated. "It's a remnant of a time before secularization," he said.🔷
Sources:
- "Sonntagsauto-Wäsche verboten" - German Press Agency
- "Auto-Wäsche auf Sonntag verboten" - German Environmental Aid Rhineland-Palatinate
- "Auto-Wäsche on Sundays still illegal in Rhineland-Palatinate" - dw.com
In this context, here are the sentences that contain the given words:
- Unbeknownst to you, car-maintenance might become a part of your lifestyle on weekdays if you reside in Rhineland-Palatinate, as the state's antiquated law prohibits car washing on Sundays.
- If you prefer a more eco-friendly home-and-garden approach, consider visiting an approved car wash instead of washing your car at home on Sundays in Rhineland-Palatinate.
