Sunday Sundry: Why Cars Don't Get Washdays in Rhineland-Palatinate
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Vehicle Remains Untidy on Sunday - Car Remains Untidy on Sundays
Taking a quick spin on a free Sunday to buff up that ride? Not in Rhineland-Palatinate, mate. Just across the border in Hesse, your dirty wheels, paint, and underbody can get a good scrub. But the old guard in Rhineland-Palatinate isn't ready to swap its Sunday spick-and-span rules just yet.
The filling station association sees this Sunday car wash ban as yesterday's news. After all, there's work aplenty at the pumps, and many car washes operate automated, saying, "She'll be right, mate!" In fact, most of Europe allows car-washing freedom.
Small to medium businesses are feeling the pinch with the ban in Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and the Saarland. The association predicts these operators may lose anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 euros annually due to the restriction.
And the environment's struggling, too. Car washes save big on water compared to DIY home jobs, avoiding strain on local sewers and the environment.
A sit-down with the Minister President, Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), over this issue? No word from him yet.
The legalities of where and when car washing is allowed are a twisted tale, with car washes prohibited in gardens or unpaved areas according to the Water Resources Act. A fine's on the table if you disregard the rules.
Even clear water used in car washing can contain harmful chemical compounds that jeopardize groundwater, as explained by the German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) in Rhineland-Palatinate. Paved ground or roadside washing? Cities determine the rules, so it's worth checking with the local bob's your uncle.
The UBA, however, endorses approved self-service car washes and car wash stations. The chemicals are pre-cleaned, separated, and discharged properly at these facilities. And short programs are recommended to save water and resources.
Car washes use recycled water, reducing overall consumption, making them a better choice than your garden hose for a thorough wash.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of the Interior has made it clear: Operating car washes and car wash stations on Sundays and public holidays is prohibited, based on the state law protecting Sundays and public holidays.
But Sunday's not just for work. It's for friends, family, and a well-deserved day of rest, says the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB).
State parliamentarian Stephan Wefelscheid from the Free Democrats considers the car wash Sunday ban antiquated. With car washes kept away from residential areas and many already self-service, he sees no disturbance to peace.
"In a world where working hours are stretching, weekends are made for everything from shopping to haircuts," says Wefelscheid. "The Sunday car wash ban is a relic of a bygone era."
The trade unions and the petrol station interest group are calling for a review of the ban to account for modern lifestyles and shifting priorities.
- Despite many European regions allowing car-washing freedom, Rhineland-Palatinate strictly enforces a Sunday car wash ban, much to the dismay of home-and-garden businesses and car-maintenance enthusiasts.
- The German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) in Rhineland-Palatinate advises against washing cars in gardens or unpaved areas due to the potential contamination of groundwater with harmful chemical compounds found even in clear water used for car washing.
- The association representing small to medium car-wash businesses predicts an annual loss of 5,000 to 10,000 euros due to the car wash Sunday ban in Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and the Saarland.
- Approved self-service car washes and car wash stations are endorsed by the UBA, as chemicals are pre-cleaned, separated, and discharged properly at these facilities, thereby reducing pollution and saving water compared to DIY home jobs.
- Weekends, according to the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), are intended for relaxation, socializing, and rejuvenation, rather than work-related activities like car washing, as the car wash Sunday ban attests.
