Quiet hours change from October 1

From Thursday, October 1, 2026, the quiet hours change nationwide, with the winter schedule taking effect until March 31, 2027. According to the new schedule, quiet hours are set from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the afternoon and from 10:00pm to 7:30am at night and in the morning hours. During these periods, noisy work, loud music, shouting and any other activity that may disturb neighbours’ peace are banned. The restrictions apply on streets, squares and other public spaces.

The change in the quiet-hours schedule is repeated every autumn, as the relevant provisions set a different time framework depending on the season, adapted to the shorter daylight hours and the different habits of the winter period. Under the winter schedule, particular care is required when loading and unloading goods, and when using sirens or sound systems without an emergency reason. Businesses, shops and individual residents are required to limit the noise they cause during the specified hours, while a corresponding obligation applies to pet owners, who must ensure their animals do not disturb the neighbourhood’s peace. These provisions apply equally to residential areas, streets, squares and other public spaces, as set out in the relevant framework.

For residents of urban centres and apartment buildings, the schedule change essentially means that afternoon rest hours shift earlier compared to the summer programme, affecting in particular renovation work, outdoor music events and the activities of catering businesses with outdoor space. Observance of quiet hours is a matter that touches daily society, as neighbours’ complaints about violations are a frequent cause of calls to the competent authorities, especially during the summer months that have just ended. The transition to the winter schedule practically concerns all residents of the country, regardless of whether they live in an urban or rural environment, as the same quiet hours apply across the entire territory.

For violations of the quiet-hours provisions, criminal penalties are provided, which, depending on the case, can amount to imprisonment of up to five months or the imposition of a fine. The matter also falls within the sphere of justice, as the imposition of penalties goes through the relevant legal process when a complaint is filed. The strictness of the penalties provided reflects the importance attached to observing quiet hours as an element of daily coexistence in neighbourhoods and apartment buildings. The winter schedule will remain in effect until March 31, 2027, when the summer quiet-hours schedule is expected to resume.